This posts addresses the frequently misapplied Marino-Sewell doctrine. This doctrine is often used as a basis for denying Defense Base Act workers compensation benefits to injured workers. The problem is that the Marino-Sewell doctrine does not support the denial of benefits when a legitimate adverse personnel decision co-exists with injurious working conditions or events. A Typical Real Life Example: In his Form LS-203, an Afghanistan-based employee alleged that he was exposed to war-risk hazards that led to the development of a psychological injury and disability. A “war-risk hazard” is a term that is often used to describe attacks, explosions, indirect fire, and more. In response to the injured worker’s claim, the carrier filed a Form LS-207. The carrier controverted—i.e., denied—the claim. The claim was controverted for the following reason: “Claimants inability to work is due to RIF in May 2019 from employment.” In this context, “RIF” means “reduction in force.” The carrier’s controversionRead more