Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

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.

If You Were in the Exposure Zone, You May Qualify for Benefits

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in NYC, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA, resulted in the immediate deaths of thousands of people. Thousands more survived the initial attack or even rushed to the scene of the attack as the terror was unfolding to help others, only to find themselves years later being diagnosed with cancer or other serious and even fatal ailments. Many thousands of our heroes from that day (and who lived or worked downtown on 9/11 or anytime until May 30, 2002) have died due to a long list of 9/11-caused cancers and a host of other medical conditions caused by exposure to the toxins in the debris released by the attacks and during the nine months of cleanup.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma, can be caused by 9/11 toxins. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of lymph cancer that results from a change to the DNA of a lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell. It is one of the covered blood cancers eligible for certification from the WTC Health Program.

One common question asked by victims of the 9/11 attacks is, “I scheduled my appointment with the WTC Health Program, but they told me it may take several months to be seen and to then receive a certification letter. Should I file my claim even though I have not yet been certified?”

Yes. Stomach Cancer (also known as malignant neoplasm of the stomach) is one of the many conditions linked to 9/11 toxic exposure. If you have this condition and were in the exposure zone in the months after the terrorist attacks, you may qualify for both 9/11 compensation and health benefits that will pay for your treatments. Calling a September 11 benefits attorney can help you determine whether you qualify.

Many victims of the 9/11 attacks and volunteers in the subsequent clean-up efforts face health problems as a result of exposure to toxic dust and materials at the attack sites, including breathing or digestive condition or, in many cases, cancer

Nearly 20 years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in lower Manhattan, first responders and others who came at the scene that day and during the clean-up effort continue to fall ill with cancer and other diseases related to exposure to toxic dust and materials at the World Trade Center site. Because certain types of cancer have a long delay (latency) period between toxic exposure and the appearance of the disease, even more of these individuals are expected to receive a diagnosis in the coming years.