Defense Base Act Benefits for PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition afflicting many overseas contract workers.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The stress of working overseas, especially in combat zones, often leads to PTSD. This psychiatric disorder can occur after experiencing life-threatening events, such as being under enemy fire, traveling through territory littered with improvised explosive devices, or living under the threat of suicide bombers. These experiences can lead to stress reactions that don’t subside on their own, and that may even worsen over time.
PTSD sufferers frequently experience severe, long-lasting symptoms, including:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Crying spells
- Flashbacks
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
Defense Base Act Claims
Contract workers suffering from work-related PTSD may qualify for benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA). The DBA is based on a wage-loss concept, meaning that you may receive future compensation only if you can prove that your injuries prevented you from returning to your previous employment. The dollar value of your claim will be the difference between your income prior to being injured and your post-injury stateside earnings. This amount can be considerable, since stateside jobs typically don’t pay as well as employment opportunities in combat zones.
Winning a Defense Base Act Claim
Unfortunately, DBA insurance companies often try to deny claims involving psychological injuries. This is particularly true when there are no accompanying physical ailments, such as traumatic brain injury.
To receive compensation, you must prove that your PTSD was caused by events related to your employment. If you haven’t been able to return to your DBA employment due to PTSD, you’ll need medical documentation to support your disability claim.
The sad reality is that too many PTSD victims get caught in traps laid by insurance companies, leading to denials of their claims. To win this fight, you need a skilled attorney with experience in the pursuit of DBA claims for depression or PTSD caused by overseas service. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.