A workplace injury does not always leave a visible mark. If your job has caused or worsened a mental health condition, you might be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits depending on your circumstances.
Meeting the threshold for coverage under Minnesota law
In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature changed the Workers’ Compensation Act to allow workers to claim only Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a stand-alone psychological injury. This means you can file a claim for PTSD without needing a physical injury at the same time.
Workers’ compensation might cover other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety or adjustment disorder, but only if they result directly from a physical workplace injury. For instance, if a serious back injury at work leads to depression, you can include it in your existing claim.
Proving the link between your job and your condition
The burden of proof for mental health claims in Minnesota is heavier than for most physical injuries. For a stand-alone PTSD claim, you generally need to establish the following:
- A licensed psychiatrist or psychologist has diagnosed you with PTSD based on the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- The condition arose out of and in the course of your employment
- The PTSD did not result from a disciplinary action, job transfer, layoff, demotion, termination or similar action taken in good faith by your employer
For other mental health conditions, gather complete medical records that show a clear link between your symptoms and the original physical injury. Strong medical evidence gives your case the best chance to move forward without issues.
Taking the next steps in the filing process
If you believe you have a valid mental health case, the process begins with reporting the condition to your employer. From there, getting a formal evaluation from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist is critical, particularly for PTSD claims.
There are also deadlines for formally filing a claim petition beyond from reporting to your employer. You generally have three years from the date a first report of injury is filed with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, or up to six years from the date of the injury if no report was filed. Once those windows close, you may permanently lose the ability to seek benefits regardless of how strong your case is.