How the DBA Covers Mental Health in 2025

Working on U.S. government contracts overseas can be dangerous, high-pressure, and emotionally exhausting. For many civilian contractors, the trauma they experience doesn’t leave visible scars—but it leaves lasting damage. In 2025, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions are being diagnosed at rising rates among contractors stationed in war zones and conflict-prone areas.

If you’re struggling with symptoms of PTSD related to your overseas work, the Defense Base Act (DBA) may provide coverage. At Friedman Rodman & Frank, we’ve seen firsthand how psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones—and just as worthy of compensation.

Why PTSD Rates Are Rising

Recent military activity, heightened global tensions, and increased contractor presence in areas like the Middle East and Eastern Europe have created more high-stress assignments for civilian workers. Contractors involved in logistics, private security, infrastructure, or intelligence support are frequently exposed to:

• Gunfire and bombings

• Kidnapping threats

• Civil unrest

• Long-term isolation

• Pressure to perform under dangerous conditions

This prolonged exposure to trauma can lead to serious mental health consequences, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression.

How the DBA Covers Psychological Injuries

Under the Defense Base Act, you may be entitled to medical treatment and wage loss benefits for psychological injuries sustained during the course of your employment overseas. Importantly, the DBA does not require that you be physically injured for your claim to be valid.

To qualify, you must show:

• A connection between your psychological injury and your employment

• A formal diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional

• That your condition affects your ability to work

Psychological injuries like PTSD may also be covered under the zone of special danger doctrine, which allows benefits even for injuries sustained during off-duty hours if the conditions of overseas employment contributed to the harm.

Challenges with PTSD DBA Claims

Despite being legally compensable, PTSD claims under the DBA are often challenged by insurance companies. They may argue that your symptoms stem from personal problems or pre-existing conditions—or that your work environment was not traumatic enough to trigger a mental health disorder.

This is where legal representation matters. An experienced DBA lawyer will gather medical records, work documentation, and witness testimony to prove that your condition is real, serious, and job-related.

Why You Need Legal Help

PTSD doesn’t always appear immediately. It can take months after returning home before symptoms surface—nightmares, mood swings, panic attacks, and difficulty focusing at work. If you’re struggling, you don’t need to face it alone.

At Friedman Rodman & Frank, we understand how deeply psychological injuries can impact your life and livelihood. We’re here to help you file a strong DBA claim, deal with insurer pushback, and get access to the benefits and care you deserve.

Call us today at (305) 448-8585 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward healing.