In the case of a peace officer who is designated under subdivision (a) of Section 2250.1 of the Vehicle Code and who has graduated from an academy certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, when that officer is employed upon a regular, full-time salary, the term “injury,” as used in this division, includes heart trouble and pneumonia which develops or manifests itself during a period while that officer is in the service of the Department of the California Highway Patrol. The compensation which is awarded for the heart trouble or pneumonia shall include full hospital, surgical, medical treatment, disability indemnity, and death benefits as provided by this division.
The heart trouble or pneumonia so developing or manifesting itself shall be presumed to arise out of and in the course of the employment. However, a peace officer of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, as designated under subdivision (a) of Section 2250.1 of the Vehicle Code, shall have served five years or more in that capacity or as a peace officer with the former California State Police Division, or in both capacities, before the presumption shall arise as to the compensability of heart trouble so developing or manifesting itself. This presumption is disputable and may be controverted by other evidence, but unless so controverted, the appeals board is bound to find in accordance with it. This presumption shall be extended to a member following termination of service for a period of three calendar months for each full year of the requisite service, but not to exceed 60 months in any circumstance, commencing with the last date actually worked in the specified capacity.
The heart trouble or pneumonia so developing or manifesting itself in these cases shall in no case be attributed to any disease existing prior to that development or manifestation.
The term “peace officers” as used herein shall be limited to those employees of the Department of the California Highway Patrol who are designated as peace officers under subdivision (a) of Section 2250.1 of the Vehicle Code.
(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 305, Sec. 41. Effective January 1, 1997.)