9/11 and Sleep Apnea | WTC VCF

9/11 Sleep Apnea Compensation Claims

Sleep apnea is a serious condition affecting many individuals who were present in lower Manhattan in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. One of the top five 9/11-related conditions certified by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), sleep apnea has been diagnosed in over 17,000 9/11 responders and over 2,000 9/11 survivors. Those who have been diagnosed with 9/11-related sleep apnea are eligible to file a claim for financial compensation for their losses, which can include both economic and non-economic losses.

If you were present in the exposure zone in Lower Manhattan and have since developed sleep apnea, you may be eligible for compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and medical treatment through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

Importantly, however, The WTC Health Program and the 9/11 VCF provide healthcare and compensation for sleep apnea only if it is medically associated with another breathing or digestive disorder such as one of the following other known 9/11-related conditions:

Asthma
Chronic cough syndrome
Chronic laryngitis
Chronic nasopharyngitis
Chronic respiratory disorder- fumes and vapors
Chronic rhinosinusitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
Interstitial lung disease
New-onset, and WTC-exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS)
Upper airways hyperreactivity

The Link Between 9/11 and Sleep Apnea

When the World Trade Center (WTC) collapsed, a toxic cloud of dust, debris, and chemicals was released into the air and lingered for months following the attacks. Exposure to this toxic cloud has been linked to various respiratory issues, including conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung disease that cause or contribute to sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which an individual’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and other serious health risks. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, blocking airflow. Many of those present on 9/11 have developed sleep apnea as a result of their exposure to the 9/11 dust cloud released during the terrorist attacks. This exposure can cause inflammation in the airways, aggravating or contributing to respiratory conditions like sleep apnea. Furthermore, research has shown that individuals with common 9/11-related health problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea over time.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea is essential for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and receiving the necessary treatment. Common signs and symptoms include:

Loud snoring, often noticed by others
Gasping or choking during sleep
Pauses in breathing during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Morning headaches
Irritability or mood swings

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If you were exposed to 9/11 toxins and have experienced any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care through the WTC Health Program to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

How to Know if You Qualify For Sleep Apnea Compensation From 9/11 Exposure

Eligibility for compensation from the VCF for 9/11-related sleep apnea depends on several factors. These include:

Registering and filing a claim with the VCF by the applicable deadlines;
Providing evidence of the 9/11-related illness;
Showing proof of presence in the Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, along the routes of debris removal, or at one of the other crash sites, including the Pentagon site or the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site; and
Registering with the WTCHP by the deadline to have the condition certified as a 9/11-related health condition.
The WTCHP certifies another 9/11-related breathing or digestive condition that is linked to sleep apnea.

Consulting with a 9/11 attorney can help you determine your eligibility and maximize your claim.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options Through the WTC Health Program

The WTC Health Program provides a wide range of treatment options for those diagnosed with 9/11-related sleep apnea. Treatment for sleep apnea typically focuses on improving airflow during sleep to prevent the pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea. Common treatment options include:

Breathing Devices: The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing device called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP machines keep airways open by delivering constant air pressure throughout the upper airways through a mask worn during sleep. Other types of breathing devices include an auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machine or a bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) machine.
Oral Appliances: Devices that reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, especially for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol can help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove tissue blocking the airway, to reposition the jaw, or to remove the tonsils and adenoids.

These treatments can help manage sleep apnea symptoms, improve sleep quality, and reduce the risk of developing more serious health issues. If you are enrolled in the WTCHP and have 9/11-related sleep apnea, you can receive these treatments at no cost.

Contact Our 9/11 Attorneys Today To See If You’re Eligible for Compensation

If you’ve developed a respiratory or digestive condition that caused or contributed to sleep apnea, you may be entitled to compensation through the VCF. The process of filing a claim can be complex, but our experienced 9/11 attorneys are here to help. We can assist with gathering the necessary documentation, proving your presence in the Exposure Zone, and securing the compensation you deserve for your medical care, lost earnings and benefits, and pain and suffering.

Having professional guidance can make a significant difference in the success of your claim. Contact a dedicated 9/11 VCF attorney at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP today for a free consultation to learn more about your eligibility and how we can assist you.

“My husband died as a result of cancer. This firm was able to help me obtain the compensation I deserve for me and my two minor children. I had no idea we were entitled to that high of a compensation and this firm really worked hard for us! We will always be thankful.” -Gina E.

Review: 5 / 5

Sleep Apnea