Hassell v. Onslow County Board of Education

The issue on appeal is whether a 56-year-old teacher’s “generalized anxiety disorder” qualifies as an occupational disease that entitles her to workers’ compensation under the North Carolina Workers Compensation Act. The teacher, Barbara Hassell, contends the Industrial Commission erred by finding that her employment at Dixon Middle School did not place her at an increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder. I agree with Ms. Hassell and therefore dissent from the majority’s decision to the contrary.

As the majority observes, mental illness qualifies as a compensable occupational disease,…