Non-Appropriated Funds Instrumentalities Act

Table of Contents

Non-Appropriated Funds Instrumentalities Act & Workers' Compensation

Suffering from work-related injuries can significantly impact the employee and their ability to perform day-to-day tasks. It can also spark concerns about finances and future earning capabilities. This can further add to the stress and impact the employee's overall health.

The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act provides benefits under workers’ compensation to some workers who have been injured while performing their jobs on bases in the continental US. All employees working on base exchanges, military bases, leading youth or recreational programs, and offering childcare might be entitled to recover benefits.

If you have experienced work-related injuries and are eligible under the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act, then you might be entitled to receive compensation. The Law Office of Andrea R. Herman in Los Angeles, CA, understands the process can be challenging for injured workers to manage on their own. Our experienced workers' compensation lawyers can help build a strong case and help them recover the damages.

Understanding Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality Act

This act was introduced in 1952 to offer workers' compensation benefits to workers employed under the non-appropriated fund instrumentalities in the US armed forces. While the Longshore Act offered sufficient protection for workers in the armed forces, there were other employees who weren't covered.

The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act provides the Longshore Act benefits to civilian workers employed in the US military. This includes employees working in the following:

Army and Air Force Exchange Services
Army and Air Force Motion Picture Services
Coast Guard Exchanges
Marine Corps Exchanges
Navy Exchanges
Navy Ship’s Stores Ashore

The exchange service in the armed forces can include retailers, like department stores, convenience stores, theaters, and restaurants for the US military.

Injuries Covered Under Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act

The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act claims benefits can be recovered if the eligible worker gets injured on the job. These injuries covered under this act are traumatic, immediate, and life-threatening or injuries that result in the development of a disability later on. These can be covered as long as the disability or injuries affect the ability to earn wages.

The commonly covered injuries under Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act are as follows:

Amputation
Carpal Tunnel
COVID-19
Degenerative Disc Disease
Electric Shock Injuries
Hearing Loss
Neurological Issues
Pain
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Psychological Conditions
Pulmonary Embolism
Respiratory Conditions
Stroke
Tinnitus
Vision Issues

How to File a Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act Claim?

If you or your loved one has been injured on the job and are eligible under the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act, you can file a claim to recover benefits. Here is how you can file a Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act claim:

Immediately inform the employer about the injuries
Submit an LS-1 form that allows you to get treatment by a health care provider of your choice
Inform the employer formally through the LS-201 form within 30 days of sustaining the injury
Get the medical treatment and ensure the symptoms are documented honestly and accurately
Submit a compensation claim through form LS-203 within a year of sustaining your injury to recover the disability and treatment benefits under the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act

The process for the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act claim is complex. It is wise to consult a workers' compensation lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, to ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the maximum benefits.

Eligibility of Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality Claim

The workers of non-appropriated fund instrumentalities are not part of the military but are civilians working at base exchanges, recreational and retail stores, and other areas on the US military base.

However, it is essential to understand that the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act covers particular employees, including:

Employees in the continental US, including Hawaii and Alaska
Employees who are permanent residents or citizens of the US and are working outside the US
The criteria to file the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act claim are as follows:
The employees covered under this act must have sustained injuries at their workplace
The employees covered under this act must have an occupational disease
The dependents of employees covered under this act who have died due to the injuries sustained at work

The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act doesn't cover employees working within or outside the continental US but are not permanent residents or citizens of the country.

Types of Benefits Offered in the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act

The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act is an extension of the Longshore Act that offers injury and death benefits to eligible employees. These benefits might include the following based on the severity of the injuries and other factors:

Medical Expenses: Under this act, all the hospital, surgical, and medical treatments are covered, as well as other medical services and supplies related to the injury. These benefits also provide compensation for all expenses related to mileage and travel to get medical treatment. The healthcare physician selected by the injured employee must be approved as per the workers' compensation program policy.
Disability Benefits: Under this act, the injured employee can recover disability benefits depending on whether they suffer from a partial disability (permanent or temporary) or total disability (permanent or temporary).
Death Expenses: Under this act, funeral expenses and monetary compensation are provided to the dependents of the employee who passed away due to work-related injuries. Surviving spouses would receive 50% of the average weekly wage of the deceased employee for the remainder of their life or until they get remarried. Additional monetary benefits are provided if the deceased worker has kids.

Book an Initial Appointment with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in California

Suffering work-related injuries can be difficult for the employee, resulting in increased financial pressure for treatment and lost wages. However, you can recover compensation if you are eligible under the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act.

Filing this claim takes plenty of time, effort, and resources, as well as negotiation skills and experience to deal with insurance companies. Therefore, consulting an expert workers' compensation lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, is an excellent way to recover maximum benefits. The dedicated team at the Law Office of Andrea R. Herman has extensive experience, and knowledge in handling the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act claims. Give us a call to book an appointment and discuss your case.