Defense Base Act PTSD Lawyer
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is one of the most common and hardest conditions faced by civilian contractors who work in war zones and other dangerous places overseas. The Defense Base Act covers PTSD and other mental health injuries that come from overseas government contract work, but insurance companies fight these claims all the time. The DBA PTSD lawyers at Templer & Hirsch work to make sure you get the mental health benefits you deserve. In our experience, these claims are denied far more often than physical injury claims, not because the trauma isn't real, but because the insurer is betting you'll give up before the medical evidence is fully documented.

DBA Coverage for PTSD

The Defense Base Act covers mental health injuries, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, that come out of your overseas government contract work. You do not need a physical injury to qualify for DBA benefits for PTSD. Living through combat, seeing traumatic events, or facing life-threatening situations can all be the basis for a valid DBA PTSD claim.

Why DBA PTSD Claims Are Frequently Denied

Insurance companies turn down DBA PTSD claims more often than physical injury claims. They often argue that the PTSD was there before the job, that your work did not expose you to enough trauma, that the diagnosis is not backed by medical proof, or that you are still able to work. We know how to answer each of these arguments and build a strong case for your PTSD benefits. Learn what the evidence looks like in our guide to proving your PTSD claim under the Defense Base Act.

What Benefits Are Available?

A successful DBA PTSD claim can pay for medical treatment such as therapy and psychiatric care, temporary total and partial disability benefits, permanent disability compensation, and job retraining. In cases where PTSD leads to death by suicide, death benefits may be available for surviving dependents. A DBA PTSD claim can be worth a great deal. Use our free DBA Settlement Calculator to get an idea of your potential benefits.

Getting Help

If you are living with PTSD or other mental health injuries from your overseas contractor work, you do not have to take on the insurance company alone. Templer & Hirsch offers free, private consultations for DBA PTSD claims and works on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today to talk about your claim.

PTSD Is a Covered Injury Under the Defense Base Act

The Defense Base Act (42 U.S.C. § 1651) extends the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. § 901) to civilians working overseas on U.S. government contracts. It covers not only physical injuries but psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder, which are common after service in a war zone.

DBA disability benefit rate

Your average weekly wage
100%
DBA disability payment
66⅔% of wages

DBA disability benefits are generally paid at two-thirds (66⅔%) of your average weekly wage, subject to federal maximums, plus medical care for the covered injury, including PTSD treatment.

66⅔%Of average weekly wage paid for disability
30 daysTo report the injury to your employer
1 yearGeneral deadline to file a DBA claim

PTSD claims are real DBA claims, and they get contested. Insurers often dispute whether a psychological injury is work-related or how severe it is. Documentation, medical evidence, and meeting the notice deadlines are critical. For the broader program and related overseas-contractor claims, see our Defense Base Act and longshore injury pages.

Where We Handle Defense Base Act PTSD Lawyer Cases

We represent overseas U.S. government contractors nationwide and from across Florida, including:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Defense Base Act cover PTSD?

Yes. PTSD and other psychological injuries arising from covered overseas contract work are compensable under the Defense Base Act, which incorporates the Longshore Act. Benefits can include disability payments and medical treatment for the condition.

Who is eligible for Defense Base Act benefits?

Civilians working overseas under a contract with the U.S. government or on U.S. military bases, including support staff, security contractors, interpreters, and construction workers, are generally covered, regardless of nationality.

How much does the Defense Base Act pay?

Disability benefits are typically two-thirds (66⅔%) of your average weekly wage, subject to federal maximum rates, along with medical care for the covered injury. The exact amount depends on your wages and the nature and extent of your disability.

What are the deadlines for a DBA claim?

You generally must give written notice of the injury to your employer within 30 days and file a formal claim within one year (or, for some occupational conditions, within one year of when you knew the injury was work-related). Because insurers contest these claims, early legal help is valuable.

Explore more ways Templer & Hirsch can help, and use our settlement calculators for federal maritime claims.

See What Your Settlement Could Be Worth → Estimate weekly DBA compensation in minutes. See What Your Settlement Could Be Worth → Estimate LHWCA benefits for injured maritime workers.

If you or a loved one has been injured, the most important step you can take is to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Call Templer & Hirsch today for a free, confidential consultation. We are ready to help.

Sources & further reading (verify before relying on them)

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; confirm the current statute and speak with an attorney about your situation.