Virginia bill adds comp presumptive injuries for law enforcement

Back, hip, knee and neck injuries that cause disability or death in law enforcement officers would be presumptive occupational diseases eligible for workers compensation benefits under a bill filed Thursday by Virginia lawmakers.

The measure, House Bill 1905, would amend the state’s workers compensation law to state that these types of injuries would make numerous classifications of law enforcement officers eligible for comp awards including full hospital, surgical and medical treatment as well as disability indemnity and death benefits.

Not covered under the bill would be volunteer law enforcement chaplains, auxiliary and reserve deputy sheriffs and auxiliary and reserve police officers.