If you were injured while working overseas on a U.S. government contract, you might be covered under the Defense Base Act. This law, often shortened to the DBA, helps civilian employees get benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses that happen while they’re on the job in foreign countries. But getting through the claims process can feel like a lot to take in. It doesn’t have to be. Once you know the steps and what to expect, the process becomes easier to manage.
The Defense Base Act is there to provide workers' compensation coverage to civilian contractors working outside the United States on military bases or under U.S. government contracts. This can include security contractors, translators, logistics workers, and even people building infrastructure or providing food services. Whether you were in a combat zone or in a quieter location overseas, if the job was tied to a government contract, the DBA likely applies.
The law works a lot like traditional workers' comp in the U.S. It offers benefits like medical care, disability payments, and sometimes vocational rehab. What makes it different is that it covers situations and injuries that happen far from home, often in risky or unpredictable environments.
When you're hurt, your first instinct might be to shake it off or wait and see if it gets better. That’s normal. But under the DBA, it’s important to report your injury as soon as possible. You need to let your employer know what happened, preferably in writing. Don’t assume they’ll report it for you.
After you report the injury, your employer should file a notice with the Department of Labor. At the same time, you can (and should) file your own claim using Form LS-203. This form officially starts your claim process. Waiting too long could hurt your chances of getting benefits. It’s best to act fast.
One of the better parts of the DBA is that it lets you choose your own doctor. You’re not stuck with whoever your employer or insurer picks. This gives you a bit more control and comfort. That said, your treatment still needs to be reasonable and related to the injury you had at work.
Medical benefits should be covered fully. This includes things like surgery, medication, physical therapy, or even counseling if the injury is psychological. Many workers under the DBA suffer from PTSD or anxiety after working in war zones, and mental health is covered, too.
The Defense Base Act requires employers to carry DBA insurance. This means if you file a claim, you’re not dealing with your employer directly most of the time. You’ll be talking to their insurance company. These companies handle the payments for lost wages and medical bills.
Getting paid can be a slow process. That’s just the truth. Some insurance companies will try to delay or deny claims, hoping you’ll give up. Don’t. Stay on top of communication, keep good records, and know that you have the right to appeal or push back if something doesn’t seem fair.
Not all injuries are the same. Some people recover fully and get back to work, while others have long-term or permanent problems. Under the DBA, benefits can vary depending on how badly you’re hurt.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) means you can't work at all for a while. You’ll typically get two-thirds of your average weekly wage until you recover. If your injury leads to Permanent Total Disability (PTD), you could receive long-term benefits.
There are also cases where someone can go back to work, but only in a limited way. That’s called Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) or Permanent Partial Disability (PPD). The law recognizes these situations, and your benefits adjust accordingly.
Sometimes, things don’t go smoothly. You might be denied treatment, or your check might not arrive on time. If this happens, the Department of Labor (DOL) has tools to help. They provide mediation services and can hold informal conferences to get both sides talking.
If there’s still no agreement, your case might go before an administrative law judge. This isn’t a full courtroom trial, but it is more formal than mediation. You can (and should) bring an attorney, especially if your benefits are being denied.