Defense Base Act Articles
For Civilians Injured Overseas

Defense Base Act Benefits for PTSD & Psychological Injuries

If you have worked in a war zone, you understand the expression “War is Hell” in a way that most civilians cannot comprehend. And, while it is widely accepted that soldiers routinely suffer from PTSD and other psychological injuries, few people stop to consider that war zone contractors are exposed to the same stresses as soldiers.

In modern war, there is no shortage of stress inducing incidents.  IEDs, RPGs, gun fire, threats of violence, mortars, air raid sirens, suicide bombers, and terrorist attacks are just some of the many war zone incidents that can impact civilian workers on overseas defense bases.

DBA Compensation for PTSD & Psychological Injuries

While The Department of Veterans Affairs has become more willing to compensate military personnel who are returning from a war zone with psychological illness, many Defense Base Act insurance companies still dispute whether certain contractors actually have a psychological disability.  Sadly, this can result in a denial of benefits, including desperately needed medical treatment, which the injured contractor truly needs.

Defense Base Act Cases: Proving Psychological Injury

A contractor who returns home after time in a war zone can have a changed personality, just like returning military personnel. They may be almost unrecognizable to their loved ones, and/or feel like they are no longer themselves.

Symptoms of psychological injury include: anger, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, being withdrawn, inability to focus, loss of motivation, and more.

As with any claim for benefits, you must “prove” your psychological injury or illness in order to collect DBA benefits. However, “proving” a psychological condition can be difficult, since there is not a physical test – like an x-ray or MRI – that can show a psychological injury.

If you are having psychological problems, you should see a mental health professional immediately and get the help that you need and deserve.  Most importantly, this will help you get well. But seeing a psychiatrist, psychologists, neurologist or other mental health doctor will provide the documentation you need to get your Defense Base Act claim approved more quickly.

The health care professional will ask about the traumatic events you experienced and the symptoms you are undergoing now. They will also be able to prescribe therapies and medications that can help you deal with your condition.

Defense Base Act Cases: Symptoms of Psychological Injury

The American Psychiatric Association has developed a specific set of symptoms to help determine if you have a psychological injury. These include:

• Aggressive Behavior
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Avoidance
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Depression
• Fear
• Flashbacks
• Feeling Hopeless
• Insomnia and/or Nightmares
• Irritability
• Loss of Interest
• Jumpiness
• Recklessness or Self-Destructive Behavior
• Startle Response
• Survivor’s Guilt
• Thoughts of Suicide

Never be ashamed of having a psychological problem. Psychological illness or injury is a medical condition, just like a broken leg or a tumor.

Do not delay seeking help.  The longer you wait to get treatment, the worse your condition can get and the longer your illness will last.

Your experiences as a civilian contractor working abroad caused this condition – it is not your fault. And you need and deserve proper treatment as well as compensation for your PTSD or other psychological injury or illness.

If you are having thoughts or feelings of suicide, call:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Available 24/7

Best Defense Base Act Attorneys for Psychological Injury

Our highly specialized Defense Base Act attorneys are committed to ensuring that every injured or disabled civilian employee obtains the benefits he or she has earned. We have successfully filed hundreds of Defense Base Act applications and appeals – obtaining millions of dollars in DBA benefits in over four decades of legal service.

Call today, or fill out the short form on the right to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with one of our skilled and experienced Defense Base Act Attorneys.

Free Consultation with a Defense Base Act Attorney: 800-964-8047