DBA Claims for PTSD
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.
The Defense Base Act (DBA), a federal law from 1941, helps these workers by providing workers’ compensation for job-related injuries, including mental health issues like PTSD. This act covers non-military employees on government contracts overseas, offering support for medical care, lost wages and more. Unlike physical injuries, PTSD claims may be harder to prove because symptoms might not show up right away or may initially be attributed to something else. With a Gernand Law attorney by your side, this uphill battle in diagnosing and attributing your PTSD to your work overseas becomes less difficult to navigate and will allow you to get the help and support you need.
PTSD symptoms can vary but often include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, or avoiding reminders of the trauma. In overseas contracting jobs (such as security, construction or logistics) these issues might stem from direct events like IED blasts or ambushes, or from ongoing stress from living in a war zone. Research shows that many contractors return home with PTSD, similar to veterans, but unless they were prior military, they don’t have access to VA benefits. Instead, the DBA steps in to provide coverage, although it is often challenging to get the benefits you are entitled to and deserve.
If a contractor’s PTSD is linked to their work environment, it qualifies as a compensable injury under the law. Symptoms can appear soon after an event or years later, making it important to track any changes in your mental health after a job. To qualify for DBA benefits for PTSD, you must be a civilian worker on a U.S. defense contract outside the country. This includes U.S. citizens, residents, and even foreign nationals in certain roles. The key is showing that the PTSD is directly tied to your job duties or the “zone of special danger” in high risk areas. Benefits can include medical treatment, wage replacement, disability payments for temporary or permanent issues, vocational training to help you return to work and death benefits for families if necessary. There is no automatic approval like some veterans’ programs; you need a formal diagnosis from a mental health professional and evidence connecting it to your overseas work. This remains the biggest challenge with PTSD claims as insurers often seek to deny claims by saying the condition isn’t work related or questioning the validity of the diagnosis. Delays are common, especially if symptoms develop after you leave the job, and some claims take years to resolve. Foreign contractors may face additional hurdles to receive compensation like language barriers or lack of access to appropriate medical care. Gathering evidence to support your claim is key to your success and having Gernand Law by your side can help ensure you are able to corroborate your claims. PTSD claims under DBA can lead to large settlements if supported well, but going alone often results in lower payments than you could receive if you have a trusted advocate by your side.
To boost your chances of a successful DBA settlement, it is imperative that you hire a skilled DBA attorney early. They can help build your case, negotiate with insurers and fight denials. At Gernand Law, we operate on a no-win-no-fee basis so you have no out of pocket initial costs. If you’re a contractor dealing with PTSD, don’t wait; seeking professional help can make the process smoother and ensure you get fair compensation. The DBA is there to protect workers like you who faced tough conditions overseas and accessing your benefits can help turn a difficult situation into a step toward healing. While I am based in Friendswood, Texas, I have represented DBA clients all over the world and would be pleased to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your claim. Please contact me via email at info@gernandlaw.com or by calling 281-786-6235.
