Is PTSD Considered a Disability for Workers’ Compensation?

October 20, 2025 | Workers’ Compensation

Is PTSD Considered a Disability for Workers' Compensation?

PTSD may be considered a disability for workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania. Workers who have been through a traumatic event or injury may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, getting benefits for mental conditions under the workers’ compensation laws can be tough. 

Keep reading below to learn all the details about PTSD and workers’ compensation.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is insurance that provides financial benefits to workers who have suffered a job-related injury or illness. Workers’ compensation is mandatory for almost all employers in Pennsylvania. Those who are hurt on the job should report their injury to their employer right away. 

Failure to report the injury within 120 days could result in a loss of your right to any benefits.

Is PTSD Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?

Yes, PTSD may qualify as a disability for workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania. Workers’ compensation rules vary from one state to the next. However, Pennsylvania allows for compensation for both physical injuries and psychological harm. 

To get workers’ compensation for a mental health issue, you must typically meet one of three standards:

Physical/Mental Standard

To meet this standard, you must show that you suffered some physical injury that caused your mental injury. 

For instance, perhaps you suffered a broken bone or lost a limb and now suffer from PTSD as a result of those physical injuries. It is not a requirement that the underlying physical injury was disabling or even that it led to lost wages. You simply must show that some physical stimulus led to the onset of your PTSD.

Mental/Physical Standard

This standard is the opposite of the physical/mental standard. Under the mental/physical standard, you must show that a psychological stimulus led to your physical injury. In these situations, the physical injury must continue even after the psychological stimulus has been removed. 

Mental/Mental Standard

The mental/mental standard is the hardest standard for a PTSD victim to meet. Under this standard, you must show that a psychological stimulus (either a single event or continuous stress) caused your PTSD. You must be able to show that your trauma was caused by some specific event or abnormal working conditions.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD may be caused by a variety of different things, but the symptoms are often quite similar. PTSD must be diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional. To diagnose PTSD according to the National Institute of Mental Health, a mental health professional must confirm the presence of symptoms for at least one month. 

According to mental health experts, the symptoms include:

  • At least one re-experiencing symptom: This may include flashbacks or recurring memories or dreams of the event. It could also be any distressing thoughts that remind the victim of the traumatic event.
  • At least one avoidance symptom: Changing your routine to avoid reminders of the experience may include staying away from certain places, events, or objects.
  • At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms: These symptoms include being easily startled or having difficulty sleeping. It may also be any other feelings of stress and anger that interfere with your daily activities.
  • At least two cognition and mood symptoms: This includes having negative thoughts about yourself or the world. A loss of interest in previous activities could also be present.

PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over time and may interfere with your ability to function at work or in everyday life.

Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates Today for a Free Consultation With a Lancaster Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you are experiencing PTSD from a work-related incident, you may be able to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. However, getting workers’ compensation for mental health issues is not easy. You may need to seek help from an experienced Lancaster personal injury lawyer who can help you through the process.

Call Marzzacco Niven & Associates for a free consultation.

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