Governor Approves PTSD Presumption, Repeal of Social Security Offset

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee approved measures creating a presumption that post-traumatic stress disorder is a compensable condition for first responders, and eliminating a workers’ compensation benefit offset for those receiving Social Security retirement benefits. The governor on Thursday signed House Bill 1336, by Rep. Steve Kirby, D-Tacoma, to end the practice by which the Department of Labor and Industries reduces workers’ compensation benefits paid to injured workers who are receiving Social Security when the combined payments exceed 80% of average earnings prior to disa...