Swedish Man's Heavy Metal Addiction is a Disability, Government Says

According to the Swedish news outlet, Local, heavy metal addiction is now a classifiable disability.

42-year-old Roger Tullgren of southern Sweden has undergone psychological analysis and has proven that his heavy metal addiction is worthy of supplemental income. The Employment Service in Sweden now pays a part of Tullgren's salary as heavy metal dominates so much of his life.

Tullgren has a hard time holding steady employment as he takes time off of work to see concerts -- he was said to have attended over 300 last year. He was fired from his last job for doing just that.

After seeing 3 occupational psychologists, Tullgren eventually received a letter which states he is in fact disabled. The letter reads "'Roger feels compelled to show his heavy metal style. This puts him in a difficult situation on the labor market. Therefore he needs extra financial help." He shows this letter to prospective employers upon attending an interview.

In addition to the monetary compensation, Tullgren is also allowed to dress as he pleases to work (including his skull and cross bone jewelry), and is allowed to listen to heavy metal while on duty. Tullgren, who is employed as a dishwasher, also receives the time off he requests to attend concerts, as long as he makes the time up at a later date.

Tullgren has suffered from his "disability" for 36 years, and has spent the past 10 trying to have it classified as such. Psychologists feared that Tullgren would become discriminated against if his addiction were not classified as a disability.

Deputy of employment director Henrietta Stein found Tullgren's case to be unusual and stated that "interest in music" is generally not a reason to receive wage benefits. She also went on to say that "Certain cases are confidential but in general there is always a medical reason that is well-documented." It is unknown as to whether this applies to Tullgren or not.

The Local-"Man Gets Sick Benefits For Heavy Metal Addiction", http://www.thelocal.se/7650/