Federal Fire Fighter Presumptive Disability

Our nation's federal fire fighters have some of the most hazardous jobs in the fire service, but unlike many states, the federal government does not presume that illnesses associated with fire fighting are job-related. As a result, to qualify for disability retirement, a federal fire fighter who suffers from an occupational illness must specify the precise exposure that caused his or her illness -- an almost insurmountable burden.

The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act would alleviate this burden by creating a rebuttable presumption that cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and certain infectious diseases contracted by federal fire fighters are job-related for purposes of workers' compensation and disability retirement. The bill was recently introduced in the House by Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Todd Platts (R-PA) as H.R. 1142.  In the Senate, the bill was introduced by  Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and John Warner (R-VA) as S. 1924.

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs recently approved S. 1924, which now awaits action by the full Senate. 

For more information about presumptive disability laws and the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, click here:  Fact Sheet

Learn more about the need to enact a disability presumption for federal fire fighters:  Key Points