Defense Base Act Attorneys For
PTSD, Stress, Psychological Injury & Mental Illness

Can I Get Defense Base Act Benefits for PTSD,
Stress, Psychological Injury, or Mental Illness?

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 many of the same stresses and psychological traumas as soldiers.

In modern warfare, there is no shortage of stress inducing incidents.  IEDs, RPGs, gun fire, threats of violence, mortars, air raid sirens, suicide bombers, hostage situations, 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. In other cases the DBA insurer will try to claim that a psychological condition or mental illness is a pre-existing condition that was not caused or aggravated by their work on a military base.

Sadly, this can result in a denial of DBA benefits, including desperately needed medical and psychological 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Symptoms of psychological injury include: anger, anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, being withdrawn, inability to focus, loss of motivation, sleep disorders, headaches, panic attacks, and more. In more severe cases of psychological trauma, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, intrusive thoughts, self harm, and suicidal ideation have even been reported.

These psychological issues are just as “real” as physical injuries and illnesses. And the overseas contractor urgently needs medical assistance – as well as compensation that enables them to support themselves and their family.

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. As with any claim for DBA benefits, a worker must “prove” that their PTSD, psychological injury or mental illness was caused by working conditions, in order to collect DBA benefits.

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  also provide the medical documentation that you will need in order 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. They will also prepare detailed documentation that can be submitted as evidence in your DBA claim for benefits.

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.

If you are suffering from any of the above psychological conditions, 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

Defense Base Act & PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition triggered by exposure to a terrifying or life-threatening event. It’s not just about soldiers experiencing combat; it can strike anyone who witnesses or experiences extreme trauma, including civilian contractors serving on military bases overseas under the Defense Base Act (DBA).

PTSD often manifests in the reliving horrific events in vivid flashbacks, night terrors, and intrusive thoughts. The mind stays trapped in the trauma, causing hypervigilance, anxiety, and emotional detachment. It can manifest in physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, headaches, and fatigue, impacting every facet of the employees life.

Civilian contractors on military bases face unique stressors that can trigger PTSD. While they might not be directly engaged in combat, they are often embedded in dangerous environments. Contractors might see firsthand the horrors of war, including casualties, attacks, and the aftermath of violence.

They may also face constant fear of rocket attacks, mortar fire, and kidnapping, living under a shadow of fear and uncertainty. Feeling isolated from loved ones, fearing judgment from military personnel, and lacking access to mental health resources can exacerbate PTSD while working on bases overseas.

The Defense Base Act (DBA) recognizes the psychological toll of overseas service and provides benefits for civilian contractors diagnosed with PTSD. These benefits include:

• Medical coverage: Treatment for PTSD, including therapy, medication, and hospitalization.
• Disability compensation: Lost wages due to PTSD-related impairments.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Assistance in finding new employment if PTSD affects your ability to work.

Other Psychological Conditions Covered by the DBA

While Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often grabs the spotlight when discussing mental health concerns among veterans and civilian contractors, the Defense Base Act (DBA) recognizes a wider range of psychological conditions that can arise from overseas service. At Cantrell Green, our DBA attorneys understand that the emotional toll of war extends beyond the classic symptoms of PTSD, and we’re dedicated to helping contractors access the support they deserve.

The cumulative stress of constant danger, isolation, and witnessing violence, while not always leading to PTSD, can manifest in various mental health conditions covered by the DBA. In some cases these may include the following, as well as other psychological conditions or manifestations of mental illness:

• Adjustment Disorder: Difficulty adapting to the drastic change in environment and culture, leading to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.
• Acute Stress Disorder: Similar to PTSD but with shorter duration (less than a month) after a traumatic event, causing intense anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares.
• Depression: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest, impacting daily life and relationships.
• Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety can be triggered by fear of attacks, isolation, and lack of control.
• Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, nightmares, and restless sleep patterns can be a symptom of underlying trauma and significantly affect well-being.

Defense Base Act Attorneys for PTSD & Psychological Conditions

The DBA attorneys at Cantrell Green understand the complexities of PTSD and psychological illness DBA claims – and we have a proven track record of securing Defense Base Act benefits for deserving contractors. Our DBA attorneys will fight for your right to comprehensive medical care, financial security, and a path to recovery.

Don’t let PTSD or other silence you. If you’re a civilian contractor struggling with the invisible wounds of war, contact the DBA attorneys at Cantrell Green today. We’ll stand by your side and help you navigate the DBA claims process, ensuring you receive the medical care, benefits, and support you deserve.

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 this page 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