The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal law established in 1941. It provides workers’ compensation to civilian contractors on U.S. military bases abroad or under government contracts. This covers roles in construction, security, logistics and support services in high-risk areas including Iraq and Afghanistan. The DBA addresses injuries, illnesses or deaths related to work, offering benefits like medical care, wage replacement, disability payments and support for surviving family members. However, filing DBA claims can be challenging for non-lawyers due to complex regulations, strict deadlines and insurance companies that seek to reduce the amount they have to pay you.

There are many Defense Base Act (DBA) firms and attorneys who wish to represent you in your case. My background as a U.S. Marine veteran gives me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overseas contractors. After serving in combat zones (in both Iraq and Afghanistan), I know the realities of working in dangerous environments and the toll that can take on a person’s mental and physical health.

Burn pits were a common sight on U.S. military bases in Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflict zones like Kuwait, Syria and Qatar. These open-air pits burned massive amounts of waste including plastics, rubber, chemicals, medical supplies and even human waste which were often ignited with gasoline or jet fuel. Civilian contractors working nearby inhaled toxic fumes loaded with harmful substances like dioxins, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. This exposure has led to serious health problems for many, but unlike veterans who can access VA benefits under the PACT Act, contractors must turn to the Defense Base Act (DBA) for compensation.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic or dangerous event. For civilian contractors working on U.S. military bases abroad, like in Iraq or Afghanistan, this often comes from exposure to combat, attacks or other high-stress situations. While PTSD amongst members of the military is a well established problem, often those who worked as overseas contractors are forgotten about, despite also being exposed to significant trauma. Contractors may witness explosions, lose coworkers or face constant threats to their safety which can trigger PTSD.