Sponsors (12)
The bill makes it easier for federal firefighters with Parkinson's disease to receive benefits by creating a work-related presumption, trading broader access and faster claims processing against higher federal costs and a risk of expanding future obligations.
Federal firefighters and other federal employees in fire protection roles will have Parkinson's disease presumed to be work-related, making it substantially easier for those workers to obtain disability, medical, and other benefits.
Shifts the burden of proof away from affected workers, reducing administrative delays and paperwork when processing Parkinson's disease benefit claims for the federal workforce.
Expanding the presumption that Parkinson's disease is work-related for certain federal employees will increase government benefit and compensation costs, which may raise fiscal outlays funded by taxpayers.
Creating a presumption for this condition may create pressure to add additional presumptive conditions over time, increasing long-term obligations and complexity for the federal benefits system.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Adds Parkinson’s disease to the list of illnesses presumed to be caused by employment in fire protection activities for federal employees, creating a legal presumption that Parkinson’s is work-related for covered federal firefighters. This change makes it easier for those employees to qualify for benefits tied to work-related illness. The amendment affects federal employees engaged in fire protection activities by lowering the burden of proof for Parkinson’s claims under the specified statute; agencies that manage federal workers’ compensation claims may see more claims and must apply the new presumption in adjudications.
Introduced July 16, 2025 by Val Hoyle · Last progress July 16, 2025
Adds Parkinson’s disease to the illnesses presumed to be caused by federal fire protection employment, easing access to work-related benefits for covered employees.