A flight attendant who developed pulmonary difficulties, including multiple bouts of bronchitis, also suffered pleurisy.  On a 1985 flight on which smoking was permitted, she began feeling sharp chest pains and breathing difficulties, which necessitated her hospitalization.  An examining physician opined that Ms. Thorensen’s health was normal but “her history suggested an irritation of the mucous membrane, likely stemming from tobacco smoke and ozone.”  The Administrative Judge found that “the Employee sustained a personal injury arising out of and in the course of employment with U.S. Air,” and, thus, was entitled to disability benefits.

No. 09521885, (Mass. Dept. of Industrial Accidents 1989).