Decedent worked as a pest control specialist in Iraq for one and a half years.  Upon returning to the United States in June 2006, he learned that his wife had committed adultery while he was away, and that his daughter developed a drug problem.  A few weeks later, Decedent checked himself into a hotel room where he shot and killed himself.  Claimant, Decedent’s widow, filed a claim for death benefits contending that Decedent’s suicide was related to his employment. An administrative law judge (“ALJ”) agreed, noting that “the zone of special danger could have been a cause of [Decedent’s] suicide.”  The ALJ noted Decedent’s exposure to mortars, a hazardous waste spill, a colleague’s injury or death, and even the Decedent’s physical  separation from his family as all falling under the zone of special danger.  After the ALJ awarded benefits, the Employer and Carrier appealed to the Benefits Review Board (“BRB”)Read more