The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal workers' compensation law that covers civilian employees working outside the United States on US military bases or under contracts with the US government. Enacted in 1941, it is one of the most significant yet least understood pieces of legislation protecting America's overseas workforce.
Who Is Covered?
Coverage is broad. If you were employed by a contractor or subcontractor working on a US military base overseas, performing work under a contract with any branch of the US government, or providing welfare or morale services to the US military, you almost certainly qualify. The contract does not need to be directly with the Department of Defense — contracts with the State Department, USAID, and many other agencies also trigger DBA coverage.
Critically, you do not need to be a US citizen to be covered. The DBA extends to foreign nationals and third-country nationals working on qualifying contracts.
What Injuries Are Covered?
Any injury arising out of and in the course of employment is covered. This includes traumatic physical injuries, occupational diseases, hearing loss from noise exposure, respiratory conditions from toxic exposure, and psychological conditions including PTSD. The injury does not need to be combat-related — in fact, the majority of DBA claims arise from workplace accidents, vehicle incidents, and exposure-related conditions rather than hostile action.
What Benefits Are Available?
Compensation under the DBA includes medical treatment for covered conditions, disability payments during periods of incapacity, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for surviving dependants. Disability payments are calculated as a percentage of the worker's average weekly wage, subject to statutory maximums that are adjusted annually.
How to File a Claim
Claims must be filed with the US Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). There are strict time limits — generally, you must file within one year of the date of injury, or within one year of the date you knew or should have known that the condition was work-related. Missing this deadline can extinguish your right to benefits entirely.
Why You Need a DBA Attorney
The insurance carriers defending DBA claims are experienced and well-resourced. Without qualified legal representation, claimants routinely receive significantly less than their entitlement — or have valid claims denied entirely. A specialist DBA attorney navigates the evidentiary requirements, manages the administrative process, and ensures that all compensable conditions are identified and claimed.