What’s the Process for Amending Your VCF Claim?

Situations can change after filing your initial claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which provides a cash award to individuals suffering from a 9/11-related cancer or other condition. If you developed a new 9/11-related health condition or experienced a new economic loss (including becoming disabled from work due to your 9/11 cancer or other condition) after filing your original VCF claim, you may need to amend your original claim. Here’s how the amendment process works and why it might be necessary for you to amend your claim.

Why You Might File an Amendment With the VCF 

Filing an amendment with the VCF allows you to seek additional compensation if your circumstances have changed since submitting your original claim. Some reasons you may want to file an amendment include:

• New Medical Conditions: If the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) certifies a new 9/11-related illness after submitting your original claim, you can file an amendment to seek compensation for this additional condition.
• Increased Economic Losses: If your condition has worsened, causing you to lose income or additional benefits, you can amend your claim to request compensation for these economic losses.
• Claim Denied: If your claim was denied because you did not respond to the VCF’s request for missing information and you are now able to provide the requested documents.
• New Information: If you have new information in support of your claim that was not submitted to the VCF when your award was determined and that you believe would affect the amount of your calculated loss, you can file an amendment to consider the new evidence.
• Reimbursement for Medical Expenses: If you’ve had out-of-pocket medical expenses for treatments not previously covered, an amendment can help you get reimbursed.
• Changes in Disability Status: If your disability status has changed since your initial claim, you may be eligible for additional compensation through the VCF.
• Death of a 9/11 Claimant: This is not technically an amendment since the Estate of a deceased prior 9/11 claimant is the new claimant, if a VCF claim was made while the person was alive the surviving family members may want to explore the filing of a deceased claim.    
  
  

Amendments are essential in ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve as your health or financial situation evolves.

Steps to Take to Amend Your VCF Claim

Amending your VCF claim is a multi-step process. Here’s what you need to do:

• Review Your Original Claim: Before filing an amendment, it’s essential to review your original VCF claim. This will help you determine what new information needs to be submitted and how your situation has changed.                                                                                                              
• Gather New Documentation: To support your amendment, you will need to provide new documentation. This may include updated medical records from the WTCHP, proof of additional out-of-pocket expenses, disability finds such as by the Social Security Administration, workers’ compensation, or a private disability insurer, or new wage statements to demonstrate increased economic loss.
• Submit the Amendment: Once you’ve gathered the necessary documentation, you can file your amendment with the VCF. You’ll need to provide a detailed explanation of why you’re amending the claim, along with supporting evidence.
• Work with Your Attorney: The amendment process can be complex, especially if you’re seeking additional compensation for economic losses or new health conditions. An experienced 9/11 attorney can help ensure that your amendment is submitted correctly and in a timely manner, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
  
  

How Long Does Amending Your Claim Take?

The timeline for processing an amended VCF claim can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the nature of your amendment. On average, the VCF aims to process amendments within 12 to 18 months from the date they receive all necessary documentation. However, it’s important to remember that this timeline can be extended if additional information is required.

If your amendment involves a new medical condition, you’ll also need to factor in the time it takes for the WTCHP to certify the condition. The certification process is a crucial step, as the VCF cannot consider any amendments involving new conditions unless they’ve been certified by the WTCHP.

Get Assistance from a VCF Attorney

Filing an amendment can be a daunting process, especially if you’re dealing with new medical issues or complex financial losses. This is where working with an experienced VCF attorney can make all the difference. Not only can a 9/11 VCF attorney help ensure that your amendment is properly filed, but they can also guide you through the documentation requirements, represent your interests, and help to maximize the compensation you receive.

If your circumstances have changed since filing your original VCF claim, don’t hesitate to contact a VCF attorney for help in filing an amendment. Whether you’ve developed a new health condition, incurred additional medical expenses, or experienced an increase in lost wages, amending your VCF claim can help you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out to an experienced 9/11 VCF attorney at Hansen and Rosasco, LLP today to find out more about amending your VCF claim.