A Guide to Defense Base Act Claims for PTSD

Mar 4, 2021 | Defense Base Act, PTSD

Over the past decade, U.S. government contractors have been working around the globe in warzones. Among contractors who were studied, 25% of them met the criteria for PTSD.

Within recent years, more time has been devoted to raising public awareness about service members with PTSD. Yet awareness of this situation is not enough compensation for these contractors.

If you are a contractor who worked overseas and have PTSD, filing a Defense Base Act claim can bring you the compensation you’re entitled to.

Read on for a guide on Defense Base Act Claims, and to learn more about compensation for PTSD.

What Is PTSD?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a disorder that plagues people who have gone through a traumatic event. This traumatic event can be anything from a natural disaster to an experience at war to a terrorist act.

People who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can have intense and disturbing thoughts and feelings due to an experience that they went through. Symptoms can start within a month of the event, but in some cases may not appear until years after. No matter when the symptoms appear they can last long after the event has ended.

PTSD is often experienced in the form of flashbacks or nightmares, detachment, and intense feelings of fear, sadness, or anger. Because of this, people often avoid anything that could remind them of the traumatic event they experienced.

Receiving DBA Benefits for PTSD

Contract workers overseas have a high risk of suffering from PTSD, and they can qualify for benefits under the Defense Base Act.

Unfortunately, in order to receive compensation, there must be a clear determination that you are unable to return to work due to your injuries and are therefore experiencing a loss of income.

The difference between your pre-injury income and your post-injury income determines how much you’ll be rewarded if it’s determined that you will receive benefits.

You must file your DBA claim within one year of your accident at work if you’re looking to get benefits. Because symptoms of PTSD may not appear until years later in some cases, this can be hard to do.

How to Win a Defense Base Act Claim

The downside to filing a DBA claim is that it’s not uncommon for insurance carriers to try to deny claims that are based on psychological injuries.

Because of this, it’s vital that you are able to prove that your PTSD was caused by events involving your employment. It’s likely that you’ll need proof of documentation regarding your health to support your case.

Defense Base Act Claims

If you want to learn more about defense base act claims and how to file one, you’ll want to contact a Defense Base Act lawyer.

PTSD victims often get caught in traps laid out by insurance companies attempting to deny their claims. A skilled Defense Base Act attorney who has experience with DBA claims for PTSD can be the difference between you winning and losing.