US pays $400K, settles lawsuit with border agent claiming time in TX triggered PTSD

The federal government has agreed to pay $400,000 to settle a lawsuit by a former U.S. Border Patrol agent who said his assignment in Texas triggered post-traumatic stress disorder from his war service.

Anthony Gazvoda wanted a transfer to the U.S.-Canada border in northern Michigan, his native state, but his request was rejected. He sued the government in 2015, arguing that an accommodation was reasonable.

Gazvoda’s attorney, Jason Turkish, says a settlement was reached earlier this month, weeks before a trial in federal court in Bay City, Michigan.

In 2011, Gazvoda found that the culture and environment in Laredo, Texas, reminded him of his time in Afghanistan and triggered PTSD.

In court filings, the government said there was no guarantee that a transfer would protect Gazvoda from PTSD.