Injured war zone contractors fight to get care

[steven johnson]

AIG is doing for contractor healthcare what they did for credit default swaps.

Civilian workers who suffered devastating injuries while supporting the U.S. war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan have come home to a grinding battle for basic medical care, artificial limbs, psychological counseling and other services.

ABC News contributed to this investigation. A report will air tonight at 10 on "20/20."
The insurance companies responsible for their treatment under taxpayer-funded policies have routinely denied the most serious medical claims. Those insurers -- primarily American International Group (AIG) -- recorded hundreds of millions of dollars in profits on this business.

The civilian contractors have played an indispensable role in the two conflicts, delivering fuel to frontline troops, guarding U.S. diplomats and translating for soldiers during dangerous raids. More than 1,400 civilian workers have died and 31,000 have been wounded or injured in the two war zones.

A military audit deemed AIG's premiums "unreasonably high."

Injured war zone contractors fight to get care