Military Service is Considered Employment.
In a case decided last year, a worker was awarded benefits for his hearing loss that was partially due to diabetes brought on by exposure to Agent Orange while in the military service. Under Oregon workers’ compensation law, the percentage of hearing loss due to military service may be considered a work-related factor. This is based on a court case, Wallowa County v. Fordice, 181 Or pp 222, 225 (2002), rev den 334 Or 492 (2003).
In the Fordice case, the court agree with the Workers’ Compensation Board that military service is employment for the purposes of the workers’ compensation law. If you have questions regarding hearing loss related to your employment, or other on-the-job injuries, contact the law office of Philip H. Garrow