JCC Finds FHP Trooper's Hypertension Compensable Under Presumption

In Eric Schaub v. Florida Highway Patrol HSMV/Division of Risk Management, OJCC Case No. 26-002734MAM, the claimant, a law enforcement officer, sought compensability, cardiology care, and indemnity benefits for hypertension after a November 5, 2025 high-speed pursuit and traffic stop.

Judge Mark A. Massey found the claimant satisfied section 112.18(1)(a): he was in a protected class, had hypertension, passed a 2008 pre-employment physical that did not reveal hypertension, and proved disability when his physician took him off work and driving until cardiology evaluation. The JCC also found the employer/carrier did not rebut the presumption because it presented no medical evidence of a non-industrial cause.

The order granted compensability of hypertension, authorized cardiology treatment, set the AWW at $1,931.21, and awarded employer/carrier-paid costs and attorney fees. It denied TTD/TPD benefits, penalties, and interest, finding the temporary disability lasted only November 6 and 7, 2025 and did not support payable indemnity benefits.

Source: Compensation Order