City of Venice v. Van Dyke

In this workers’ compensation case, the employer/carrier (E/C) argues the Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) erred in finding Claimant’s thoracic aortic disease compensable under section 112.18(1), Florida Statutes (2007), because the condition is not “heart disease.” Contrary to the E/C’s assertions and arguments, the evidence in this case demonstrates that Claimant, as a result of his aortic disease, underwent open heart surgery, including heart catheterization, re-implantation of the aortic valve, replacement of the ascending aorta, and reattachment of the coronary arteries. Moreover,…