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Post-traumatic stress disorder

The following information contains general information, subject to statutory change, and is not legal advice.

Overview of PTSD in Minnesota workers' compensation

In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature amended the Workers' Compensation Act by making post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) the only compensable stand-alone psychological injury in the Minnesota workers' compensation system. For injuries occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2013, work-related PTSD is compensable without an accompanying physical injury, provided the PTSD:

  1. arose out of and in the course of employment;

  2. was diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist according to the most recently published edition of the DSM; and

  3. did not result from a disciplinary action, work evaluation, job transfer, layoff, demotion, promotion, termination, retirement or similar action taken in good faith by the employer.

To date, PTSD remains the only stand-alone mental health injury that is compensable under Minnesota law. Claims for other work-related psychological injuries must be accompanied by a physical injury to be compensable.

In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature created a rebuttable presumption for PTSD claims made by certain classes of employees, primarily first responders. This rebuttable presumption became effective for workers with a date of injury on or after Jan. 1, 2019. In a typical workers' compensation case, the injured worker must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the injury is work-related. However, for workers who are subject to a rebuttable presumption, it is presumed their injury is work-related.

In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature required the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to adopt rules that establish criteria for the treatment of PTSD in a workers' compensation claim. DLI adopted rules in Minnesota Rules part 5221.6700. The rules became effective May 4, 2020.

Resources

Workers’ compensation and mental health claims:  PTSD and other mental-health injuries in Minnesota (English)

Español | Hmoob | Soomaali

Injured workers and insurers | February 2026

This document provides a high-level overview of what mental health injuries can be covered by Minnesota workers’ compensation, what is needed to qualify for a PTSD claim, who can file a PTSD claim and how to proceed if a PTSD claim is denied. 

Workers’ compensation:  Post-traumatic stress disorder and mental injuries

Attorneys and insurers | November 2021

This information sheet explains the different categories of mental health injuries in Minnesota workers' compensation and the case law that has developed around mental health injuries.

Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment rule checklist

Attorneys and insurers | May 2020

In 2018, the Minnesota Legislature required the Department of Labor and Industry to adopt rules that establish criteria for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in a workers' compensation claim. This checklist notes key provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 5221.6700, for treatment of PTSD.

Reports and studies

Study:  Evaluating PTSD claims in Minnesota's workers' compensation system

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature tasked DLI with the requirement to complete a study to identify systemic or regulatory changes to improve the experience and outcomes of employees with work-related PTSD. DLI contracted with the Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety at the University of Minnesota to complete the study.

Study:  Police disability benefit adequacy

In 2022, the Minnesota Legislature tasked DLI with the requirement to complete a study of police disability benefit adequacy with the assistance of the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). DLI partnered with researchers at the Institute for Urban and Regional Infrastructure Finance from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota to work on completing the study.

The study considered workers' compensation benefits and duty disability and retirement benefits from the PERA Police and Fire plan and the adequacy of these benefits for Minnesota police officers.