Estacada Rural Fire District 69 v. Hull

At issue in this case is whether claimant’s stress-related heart attack must be analyzed under the so-called firefighters’ presumption of ORS 656.802(4) or instead, under the heightened standard of proof for mental disorders found in ORS 656.802(3). The Workers’ Compensation Board (board) applied the firefighters’ presumption, and employer seeks judicial review. For the following reasons, we reverse and remand.

The facts, as found by the administrative law judge (AL J) and adopted by the board, are supported by substantial evidence. Claimant is a fire district chief and has worked for employer…