The World Trade Center Health Program's Updated Stance on ALS

Unfortunately, the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) has found insufficient medical evidence linking exposure to the 9/11 toxins and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/ Lou Gehrig's disease. The result of this finding, at least for now, is that the WTCHP will not certify ALS as 9/11-related, making this condition ineligible for either lifetime healthcare under the WTCHP or compensation from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.  Here, we break down the WTC Health Program’s stance on ALS, the certification process, and how experienced 9/11 attorneys can help you navigate your options.

The WTCHP Finds No Clear Connection Between 9/11 and ALS

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It causes muscle weakness, loss of motor function, and eventually leads to paralysis and death. While many health conditions have been linked to exposure to toxic dust and debris following the September 11th attacks, the WTC Health Program has not established a clear connection between 9/11 exposure and ALS.

Research into the long-term effects of 9/11 exposure is ongoing, but current scientific evidence has not provided enough support to justify adding ALS to the list of WTC Health Program-certified conditions. Without a recognized link between 9/11 exposure and ALS, individuals diagnosed with ALS following 9/11 exposure are not eligible for medical care or compensation through the WTC Health Program for this particular condition.

However, if you have been diagnosed with ALS and also suffer from a certified 9/11-related condition such as respiratory disease, cancer, or gastrointestinal issues, you may still be eligible for support through the WTC Health Program for those conditions. Additionally, if future research establishes a link between ALS and 9/11 exposure, the WTC Health Program could revise its stance and expand coverage.

What Does WTC Health Program Certification Entail?

A WTC Health Program certification is a critical step in securing medical care and financial compensation for 9/11-related illnesses. Certification confirms that your health condition is linked to your exposure to toxic substances following the September 11th attacks. The WTCHP maintains a list of certified conditions, which includes a wide range of cancers, respiratory diseases, and other chronic illnesses.

When a condition is certified, affected individuals gain access to specialized medical care, monitoring, and treatment through the WTCHP’s network of healthcare providers. Certification also establishes eligibility for financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which can cover medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, and other damages related to the certified condition, including non-economic loss such as pain and suffering.

Certification requires submitting medical records and evidence of your presence within the designated 9/11 exposure zone, which includes areas near the World Trade Center (WTC) site, the Fresh Kills landfill, and routes where debris removal took place. A medical evaluation and confirmation from a WTCHP-certified provider are also part of the certification process.

Is Your Condition Certified by the WTCHP?

Although ALS is not currently a certified condition, many other serious health issues linked to 9/11 exposure are covered by the WTCHP. Some of the most common certified conditions include:

• Over 69 different cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma
• Respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and interstitial lung disease
• Aerodigestive disorders such as chronic rhinosinusitis and laryngitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression

If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may qualify for medical care through the WTCHP. Even if you are not currently experiencing symptoms but were present in the exposure zone or engaged in rescue, recovery, or cleanup efforts, you could still be eligible for monitoring and preventative care.

For those with ALS, the WTCHP will not certify or provide treatment for this condition. This is because ALS is not currently on the WTCHP’s list of conditions presumptively caused by the 9/11 toxins, so you cannot receive care for ALS through the program. However, if you develop a covered cancer or other condition in addition to ALS, you will be able to receive medical care and compensation for that other disease once it is certified by the WTCHP.

Need Help Navigating the WTCHP? Hansen & Rosasco Can Help

Understanding the WTCHP’s certification process and eligibility requirements can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with complex health issues. An experienced 9/11 attorney can help you determine whether your health condition qualifies for WTCHP certification and guide you through the necessary steps to secure support and compensation.

The team at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP has been representing 9/11 victims and their families since the beginning. We understand the complexities of the WTCHP and VCF and are prepared to fight for the benefits and compensation you deserve. If you have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related condition, Hansen & Rosasco, LLP can evaluate your case, advise you on the best course of action, and assist you in filing for certification and pursuing compensation through the VCF. Our dedicated attorneys can gather medical evidence, submit necessary documentation, and handle any appeals or amendments to ensure your case is handled properly and you receive the maximum compensation for your individual circumstances.

While ALS is not currently a condition covered by the WTCHP, ongoing research may change that in the future. Staying informed about updates to the WTCHP’s list of covered conditions is essential for protecting your rights and securing the care you need. If you have been diagnosed with a health condition linked to 9/11 exposure, contact Hansen & Rosasco, LLP for a free consultation today.