Can I Amend My VCF Claim to Add a New Condition If I’ve Already Received an Award?

Not all 9/11-related illnesses and medical conditions make themselves known at the same time. Years can go by between the diagnosis of one condition and the diagnosis of a separate 9/11 illness or cancer. Additionally, new conditions continue to be certified as 9/11-related and thus eligible for treatment through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

As such, it is not unusual for 9/11 victim compensation claimants to learn new information or be diagnosed with additional conditions after they file their initial claim and receive an award from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

Fortunately, VCF rules allow claimants who are diagnosed with a new condition to amend their claims and seek additional compensation for the new condition even after the VCF has issued an award.

You can amend your claim to add a new condition at any time prior to December 18, 2020, even if you were already issued an award for another condition. You may amend your claim and seek additional compensation if you the WTCHP certifies you for a condition not previously certified, or you are diagnosed with a new 9/11 related injury or condition that qualifies for verification through the VCF Private Physician process.

Once the amendment is submitted, the VCF will review the new information you submit and will notify you of the outcome of its review. If the VCF finds you eligible for compensation for the new condition and you are seeking additional loss related to the condition, you must also file a compensation amendment.

New Condition Does Not Automatically Mean Additional Compensation

It is important keep in mind that being diagnosed with a new condition does not automatically mean that you will receive an award of additional compensation. The VCF calculates awards based on the severity and impact of your illnesses and conditions on your life, not the number of conditions you have.

As the VCF notes: “In many cases, being found eligible for additional conditions will not change the amount of your VCF award unless the new condition is a cancer and the compensation already awarded was based only on non-cancer conditions.”

For more detailed information on how the VCF calculates awards, see the VCF “Policies and Procedures” document.

9/11 claim amendments can be complicated. Having 9/11 victim compensation lawyers on your side who understand how to properly amend your claim and submit the necessary documentation relating to a recently diagnosed 9/11-related condition can make the difference as to whether you will receive addition 9/11 compensation.

If you need assistance amending your VCF compensation claim to include new conditions, the experienced and committed 9/11 attorneys at Turley Hansen & Rosasco can help. Since the passage of the original Zadroga Act in 2010, Turley Hansen & Rosasco has recovered over $75 million in 9/11 victim compensation for over 1200 clients.  We are the only law firm in the nation that focuses exclusively on representing victims and first responders for their 9/11 related illnesses and injuries. Please call us at 1-855-WTC-INFO (982-4636) or fill out our contact form to schedule a free claim review today.