DBA and Compensation: Scheduled vs Unscheduled Permanent Injuries

DBA and Compensation: Scheduled vs Unscheduled Permanent Injuries

Feb 18, 2021 | Defense Base Act

Federal law requires employees overseas to secure workers’ compensation insurance through US government contractors. It’s crucial to know the different types of permanent injury claims in order to access rights to your benefits.

Seeking workers’ compensation can be stressful when you’re trying to make ends meet. The process is easier when you understand the contrasting injuries and types of DBA disability benefits. Learn the difference between scheduled and unscheduled permanent injuries along with DBA claims. 

DBA Claims

Contractor employees working outside of the United States have their own unique set of challenges when it comes to insurance. This includes civilian employees who work on US military bases. It also includes national defense or employees for the government of public works.

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides workers’ compensation protection to these employees. It’s important to understand the two types of permanent injury claims so that you’re fairly compensated. This includes scheduled permanent injuries and unscheduled permanent injuries.

Scheduled Permanent Injuries

Scheduled injuries relate to particular permanent injuries that occur during a job. These injuries would include these parts of the body:

  • Eye 
  • Arm
  • Hand
  • Ear
  • Leg
  • Foot

These types of injuries involve established time periods for recovery. This results in set compensation predetermined by law. States laws, insurance policies, and legal precedent require compensation to only be upheld for a determined amount of time. 

Permanent disability is determined by a formula with your percentage of disability. A doctor determines this percentage for you. The formula lays out the set number of months that you’ll receive compensation, and then DBA disability benefits will end.

The employer’s insurance company determines the monthly amount of compensation you’ll receive. The insurance company also sets the duration of benefits. You can also receive vocational training from your state if you can’t return to your previous job.

Unscheduled Permanent Injuries

For more general disabilities, you would classify them as unscheduled permanent injuries. These injuries include occupational diseases and injuries to the following body parts:

  • Hip
  • Back
  • Shoulder

Per the Defense Base Act (DBA), you’re eligible to receive unscheduled permanent injury compensation for a general inability to learn. This doesn’t always account for a percentage of disability. Therefore, you have to prove that your learning ability has noticeably diminished. 

You can receive eligibility for unscheduled permanent injury benefits if you previously filed a workers’ compensation claim in a different state. It’s important to find out the regulations for your state since they can vary. Some states require you to reapply for a permanent injury claim every year, and the amount of compensation can change.

Stay Protected with DBA Disability Benefits

If you have suffered an injury while working overseas and need workers’ compensation, you have rights to certain benefits. First, identify if you need to file a claim for scheduled or unscheduled permanent injuries. Then you’ll be closer to getting the financial assistance you need.

If you have questions or need a lawyer that can help protect your rights, you can contact us for more information.