Why Are DBA Claims Denied?

What is the DBA?

The 1941 U.S. Workers’ Compensation Program was established in 1916 to administer claims under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Benefits are available under this Act to more than three million federal employees, Peace Corps members, and Americorps members. The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an extension of the U.S. Workers’ Compensation Program that provides coverage for employees working outside of the U.S. for American employers. The policy allows employees to receive compensation while working at U.S. military bases in a national defense or diplomacy capacity or as a civilian working on an American federal military contract. The DBA insurance program is expansive, covering all service contracts and full-time employees at American defense bases throughout the world. DBA claims can be complex and technical. The best way to maximize your claim is to draw on the knowledge and skill of an experienced DBA attorney.

Filing a DBA claim is highly technical, complex, and nuanced. Receiving compensation for an injury through a DBA decision or settlement is your right, but sometimes claims can be denied. Understanding why claims are denied is a vital part of navigating the claims process, and having a clear idea of the DBA claims structure is essential to maximizing your compensation.

Why Some DBA Claims Are Denied

The reasons for a denial of a DBA claim can vary and every case is unique. However, potential causes for claim denial range from injuries being labeled as non-work related to an injury being considered too minor for the claim being made or an injury failing to appropriately impact the employee’s ability to work effectively. For example, a DBA claim might be denied if the insurance carrier believes that an overseas injury did not occur during work hours, such as when the employee was engaged in personal activities. Other potential examples include if the employee fails to document the injury properly, resulting in the insurance company determining that the injury is in fact minor. Finally, if the insurance company feels that an employee’s injury does not impact their ability to work, then they could deny a DBA claim.

Filing an Appeal

If your DBA claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. Often, the DBA insurance carrier may recognize that you have a valid claim under the DBA but feels that the amount specified in the claim does not align with what the carrier feels the employee is owed. The easiest way to overcome this is by improving your case by collecting reports from doctors, supervisors, witnesses, and therapists. Collecting all of the relevant paperwork and documentation is essential. Following a denial of a DBA claim, an appeal must address any shortfalls in the initial claim, providing all the compelling and relevant evidence necessary to prevail.

Do You Need Help with Your Defense Base Act Claim?

If you or someone you love has or is considering filing a Defense Base Act claim, let the attorneys at Friedman Rodman & Frank fight to help you recover the damages you deserve. Expenses and injuries sustained on the job can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced roster of DBA attorneys by your side can make a world of difference in the compensation you receive. Our experienced attorneys have successfully represented injured workers at every stage of their claims, ensuring that they obtain the compensation that they deserve. With our team, you can have faith that your claim is being pursued properly. If you have questions about your case, call us today at 877-448-8585 and schedule a free and no-obligation initial consultation with a DBA lawyer.