Williams v. Brevard County Fire Rescue / PGCS

JCC Ring (Fort Lauderdale) (Derrick Cox)(1-28-22)  – Denied PTSD claim.  While working light duty at the fire station, the claimant experienced shortness of breath and broke down crying after observing videos and pictures depicting fire rescues. The JCC held that the events from the date of accident did not match any of the 11 listed events that are qualifying events for compensability of PTSD under 12.1815(5). Further, the JCC rejected the claimant’s argument that the other sections of 12.1815 should be applied as it is plain and obvious that 12.1815(5) governs compensability for PTSD claims. The JCC went on to say that the claim would still be rejected if 12.1815(2) were applied, as the claimant failed to carry his burden to show a mental or nervous injury as a manifestation of a compensable injury demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence. Lastly, the JCC rejected the claimant’s argument that the accident exacerbated his pre-existing generalized anxiety disorder as the JCC found no authority for exacerbation of mental illness for a first responder.     Click here to view Order