Working overseas in support of government operations can expose civilian contractors to prolonged stress, danger, and traumatic conditions. If those experiences continue to affect your mental health, you may be eligible to pursue a Defense Base Act claim for PTSD. These claims exist to provide support when psychological injuries interfere with your ability to work and maintain stability.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop gradually and impact every aspect of your life. Trauma does not necessarily end when your overseas assignment concludes, and its effects may continue long after you return home. Speaking with a Defense Base Act attorney can help you better understand your legal options under federal law and take meaningful steps toward recovery.
Why PTSD Claims Under the DBA Are Often Challenging
Unlike physical injuries, PTSD is not always immediately visible or tied to a single event. Many contractors experience repeated exposure to high-risk environments, which can lead to symptoms that emerge over time. This makes Defense Base Act (DBA) PTSD claims more complex than traditional workplace injury cases.
The DBA extends workers’ compensation protections to civilian employees working abroad on government-related contracts. Through its incorporation of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, including 33 United States Code § 902, the law allows compensation for injuries arising out of employment. This includes psychological conditions, but only when they are supported by credible medical evidence and clearly connected to the work environment.
Working with an attorney can make a meaningful difference in how your claim is evaluated. Our team works to gather and organize critical medical evidence to document your PTSD and connect it to your overseas duties.
Our attorneys also handle communication with insurance carriers, respond to disputes or denials, and advocate for the full range of benefits you may be entitled to.
How Does PTSD Develop After Overseas Employment?
Understanding how your PTSD condition developed over time can play an important role in supporting your claim. Relevant evidence reflecting a timeline of events and medical care may include:
- Records from your time overseas documenting exposure to hazardous or high-stress environments
- Initial medical evaluations or reports following your return from assignment
- Treatment notes showing the continuation or progression of symptoms over time
- Ongoing care records that demonstrate the persistence of your condition
- Documentation reflecting how your ability to work has changed since your deployment
This timeline-based approach helps establish a clear connection between your overseas duties and your current condition, which is essential in a DBA claim for psychological injuries.
What Support May Be Available Through a DBA Claim for PTSD?
When a PTSD claim through the Defense Base Act is successful, it can provide access to benefits designed to support both recovery and financial stability. These benefits are not based on fault but on whether your condition qualifies as a work-related injury under federal law.
Covered individuals may receive medical care, including therapy, counseling, and medication management. If PTSD limits your ability to work, wage replacement benefits may be available. In situations where the condition results in long-term impairment, disability benefits can provide continued financial support.
A DBA lawyer helps organize your medical evidence and document your condition in a way that meets federal requirements. With proper presentation of your claim, you are better positioned to pursue the full scope of compensation available.
Start Your PTSD Claim With Help From a DBA Attorney
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we assist individuals nationwide in navigating the complexities of a Defense Base Act claim for PTSD. Our team is prepared to evaluate your situation, explain how federal law applies, and guide you through the claims process with clarity and care. Contact us today to learn how we could help you move forward with confidence.
