Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

For most individuals who got sick with a 9/11 cancer or other condition because of exposure to the toxins released by the September 11th terrorist attack sites, obtaining medical treatment and monitoring through the WTC Health Program for their eligible condition is directly related to  seeking compensation through the other federally funded 9/11 benefit program, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many of the victims did not immediately realize the full extent of the damages they would ultimately face, often many years later.

To receive compensation through the VCF, victims of the 9/11 attacks, including responders, volunteers, and workers who may have suffered severe diagnoses due to exposure to the dust cloud after 9/11, typically must seek diagnosis and certification through the WTC Health Program before they can qualify for assistance through the VCF.

If you faced a serious diagnosis due to your involvement at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, or if you ended up with a serious diagnosis because you lived, worked, or went to school in Lower Manhattan in the months following September 2001, you may need to file for compensation through the VCF.

If you are seeking compensation for the expenses and impacts you incurred because of exposure to the toxic substances present at the terrorist attack sites on 9/11 from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), can you get reimbursed for medical expenses you paid out-of-pocket that neither the WTC Health Program nor your insurance covered?

Many individuals who obtain compensation from the VCF, or health benefits from the WTC Health Program for medical conditions caused by exposure to the toxins present at the 9/11 terrorist attack sites, including Downton Manhattan and, at the Pentagon, also receive benefits from other disability programs such as Social Security Disability, workers’ compensation, short- or long-term disability insurance, or a disability pension. 9/11 claimants often don’t know how these programs work together or even whether you can receive benefits from more than one program.

Two federal programs assist individuals who were exposed to toxic dust from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in Lower Manhattan, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA. One of these programs—the WTC Health Program—provides health care and monitoring for a list of certifiable 9/11-associated diseases, including many types of cancers and respiratory ailments. The second program, the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), provides compensation for individuals with 9/11-related illnesses that have been certified through the WTC Health Program.

Years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in Lower Manhattan, at the Pentagon, and the wreckage site in Shanksville, PA, researchers noticed a sharp increase in the number of head and neck cancers diagnosed in individuals who lived, worked, or attended school near those locations on 9/11 or during the many months afterward. This increase was most prevalent in rescue workers who were over 55, non-Hispanic white, and serving in a military or protective service position during the rescue and recovery efforts — but has also been found in many non-responders including downtown NYC workers and residents. One of the types of head and neck cancers in which there is a noticeable increase in cases among 9/11 first responders is malignant neoplasms of the trachea.

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)  compensates survivors of  deceased persons who suffered from 9/11-related health conditions, and who have since died of those same conditions. The VCF also pays claims pays compensation to individuals who suffer from adverse health conditions resulting from their presence at a 9/11 exposure site, or from working in the subsequent cleanup efforts.

When should I amend my claim and when should I appeal?

Sometimes, in managing your VCF claim, it becomes necessary to supply new information to the VCF to secure the compensation you deserve. Two formal processes exist for supplying information: amendment and appeal. Let’s take a look at how they work.