Defense Base Act Injury: PTSD
The majority of claims being made under the Defense Base Act recently have been related to psychological injury claims for PTSD. For a Defense Base Act Injury of PTSD, you only have a limited amount of time to make a claim. Many of these claims are being made against KBR, Labor Support Services, Vectrus and Dyncorp for those who worked in Afghanistan and Iraq. It does not matter your job; we have been able to get great settlements for many clients who were in Iraq and Afghanistan and who worked as HVAC Technicians, cooks, food service workers and laborers.
Understanding DBA Claims for PTSD: A Guide for Contractors in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Any Other Warzone:
In recent years, DBA claims for PTSD have surged among civilian contractors who supported U.S. military operations overseas. The Defense Base Act (DBA), a federal law extending workers’ compensation benefits to employees on U.S. military bases abroad, has seen a significant rise in psychological injury claims. According to industry reports and legal experts, the majority of recent DBA claims now involve post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from the high-stress environments in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan.
If you’ve worked as a contractor under companies such as KBR, Labor Support Services, Vectrus, or Dyncorp, and you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it’s crucial to act quickly. DBA claims for PTSD come with strict deadlines, and delaying could jeopardize your right to compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and disability benefits. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about filing DBA claims for PTSD, including eligibility, the claims process, and real-world success stories from non-combat roles.
What Are DBA Claims for PTSD?
The Defense Base Act, enacted in 1941, provides no-fault workers’ compensation coverage for civilian employees injured while working on U.S. defense projects outside the country. While physical injuries like blasts or accidents were once dominant, psychological traumas now lead the pack. DBA claims for PTSD recognize that exposure to combat zones, rocket attacks, convoys under fire, or witnessing traumatic events can cause lasting mental health issues, even for those not in direct combat.
PTSD under the DBA is classified as an occupational injury. Symptoms may include flashbacks, severe anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, and depression. Unlike traditional workers’ comp, DBA benefits can cover lifetime medical care, including therapy and medication, plus wage replacement if you’re unable to work.
Recent data highlights the shift: Over 60% of new DBA filings involve mental health, with PTSD at the forefront. This trend is largely driven by contractors from the post-9/11 era in Iraq and Afghanistan, where prolonged deployments in hostile areas took a toll.
Time Limits for Filing DBA Claims for PTSD
One of the most critical aspects of DBA claims for PTSD is the statute of limitations. You generally have one year from the date of injury or two years from when you became aware of the PTSD’s connection to your work to file a claim with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). However, for psychological injuries like PTSD, the “date of injury” can be tricky—it’s often when symptoms manifest or a diagnosis is made.
Missing this window can bar your claim entirely. Insurance carriers for employers like KBR or Vectrus may deny late filings outright. That’s why consulting a DBA attorney early is essential. They can help gather evidence, such as medical records from military clinics or VA diagnoses, to establish timeliness.
Common Employers in DBA Claims for PTSD
Many DBA claims for PTSD target major defense contractors operating in Iraq and Afghanistan during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Key players include:
- KBR: Formerly Kellogg Brown & Root, involved in logistics, base support, and reconstruction. Numerous claims arise from burn pit exposure and security threats.
- Labor Support Services: Provided manpower for dining facilities, maintenance, and labor.
- Vectrus: Handled base operations, IT, and engineering services.
- Dyncorp: Focused on aviation maintenance, training, and security.
These companies employed tens of thousands in high-risk areas. Even if your role seemed routine, constant mortar attacks, IED threats, or the loss of colleagues created fertile ground for PTSD.
Success Stories in DBA Claims for PTSD
A common myth is that only security personnel qualify for DBA claims for PTSD. In reality, job title is irrelevant under the DBA—as long as your injury arose from overseas defense work, you’re covered.
We’ve secured substantial settlements for clients in diverse roles:
- HVAC Technicians: Repairing air systems amid frequent alerts led to chronic stress and PTSD diagnoses. One client received over $250,000 in benefits after proving zone exposure.
- Cooks and Food Service Workers: Working in DFACs (dining facilities) under rocket fire caused severe trauma. Settlements often include vocational retraining.
- Laborers: Hauling supplies in convoys or on bases exposed workers to ambushes. Many have won lump-sum awards for permanent partial disability.
These cases succeed by linking symptoms to specific incidents via witness statements, incident reports, and expert psychiatric evaluations. Insurance adjusters for Dyncorp or Vectrus may initially dispute causation, but strong evidence overturns denials.
Steps to File Successful DBA Claims for PTSD
- Seek Medical Help Immediately: Get a PTSD diagnosis from a qualified psychiatrist. Document all treatments.
- Notify Your Employer: Report the injury within 30 days if possible.
- File LS-203 with DOL: This is the official Employee’s Claim for Compensation form.
- Benefits can exceed $1 million in severe cases, covering therapy, medications, and up to 66.67% of your average weekly wage.
Why Choose Expert Help for DBA Claims for PTSD
Navigating DBA claims for PTSD alone is risky. Defense contractors’ insurers employ teams to minimize payouts. Specialized DBA lawyers level the playing field, often working on contingency (no upfront fees).
If you served in Afghanistan or Iraq under KBR, Vectrus, Dyncorp, or similar, and PTSD affects your life, don’t wait. The surge in psychological claims underscores that you’re not alone—and compensation is achievable regardless of your job.
Contact a DBA specialist today to evaluate your case. Early action ensures you secure the benefits you deserve for your service overseas.
A psychological injury is considered an unscheduled injury under the Act.
It is very important that you contact a Defense Base Act attorney like Javier Ruiz, Esq. to review your case. Trying to handle your own case will not likely result in a good outcome! Call me at 954-408-7408 or email me at [email protected] to get started with your case today! Visit dbainjury.com to learn more.
