DBA PTSD Claim After Iranian Attack on US Base in Qatar.
By Tim Nies, Defense Base Act Lawyer & U.S. Army Ranger Veteran
On Monday, June 23, 2025, U.S. contractors stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar may have faced a traumatic and life-altering event when Iranian missiles were fired against the U.S. Base in a coordinated attack. For many government contractors who may have been present, this was surely a traumatic event that may cause lasting psychiatric injuries, especially if left untreated.
As a Defense Base Act (DBA) lawyer and a U.S. Army Ranger veteran (3d Battalion) who has walked in similar boots, I understand the real and often silent toll these events take. If you were a contractor at Al Udeid during this attack, it is important that you know your rights under the Defense Base Act and take timely action to protect your claim.
The psychological scars from attacks like the one on June 23rd are often invisible, but no less real than physical wounds. PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other psychiatric injuries are common among contractors who have been exposed to missile, rocket, and drone attacks on U.S. installations overseas. For many, the trauma doesn’t surface until days, weeks, or even many months later.
Document Symptoms Following the Iranian Attack of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar Early—Even If You’re Not Sure
After seeking treatment, the most important step in protecting your DBA rights is reporting your symptoms to your employer. Too often, injured contractors are hesitant to speak up, fearing stigma or repercussions. But under the Defense Base Act, you have the right to medical care and compensation for psychological injuries sustained in the course of your employment overseas, including incidents like that in Qatar. Even if you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling qualifies as PTSD, document it. PTSD symptoms may include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, repeated and unwanted memories of the traumatic events, nightmares, avoidance, and more. Write to your supervisor (an email will do). Visit a base medic or a mental health professional. Oftentimes, bases have behavioral health counselors you can speak with. The earlier the psychological symptoms are reported, the stronger your potential DBA claim will be.
What to Know About Filing a DBA Claim for Psychiatric Injuries (PTSD)
You are covered. Civilian contractors working overseas on behalf of the U.S. government—whether for logistics, food service, security, base operations, and many more—are covered by the Defense Base Act. This includes psychological injuries resulting from enemy attacks on the base.
You must give notice of the injury. DBA regulations require you to notify your employer of the injury within 30 days. The sooner the better. However, will likely not know you have a psychiatric injury until you are evaluated and diagnosed by a psychiatrist or a psychologist. It is beneficial to your claim that you report in writing to your employer even symptoms you are having following attacks on the base.
You may need legal help with your DBA claim.
Insurance carriers handling DBA claims often deny or delay claims involving PTSD or other psychiatric injuries, arguing they are unrelated to work or not severe enough to warrant compensation. That’s where a DBA attorney comes in.
My Role as a DBA Laywer
I fight for injured contractors with DBA claims. I have represented contractors injured in the Middle East, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Jordan, Somalia, and now Qatar, who faced not only enemy attacks but also the uphill battle of dealing with DBA insurance companies determined to deny valid claims. When you contact me, you’re not calling a law firm mill—you’re reaching out to a military veteran and a DBA attorney. Call me for free. It’s often best to speak with me before you return home so that I may provide you with important information on tasks to work on before you leave.
You Are Not Alone
If you were affected by the missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base, please know that you are not alone and that you have rights. Do not wait to speak to someone about what you’re experiencing, and do not assume your claim will be handled fairly without a fight. You should speak with a DBA lawyer before recorded statements taken by DBA insurance carriers, before doctor appointments (to make sure specific forms are completed), before a DBA mediation, depositions, psychiatric IMEs, etc.
Contact me today for a free consultation at 772-283-8712 or visit defensebaseactlawyers.com.
Let’s talk about what happened. Let’s talk about your rights. And let’s take the next step—together.