Get Help Filing a Claim With the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) was created to provide compensation for any individual or personal representative of a deceased individual who suffered physical harm as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks or exposure to debris removal efforts in the immediate aftermath.
Under 9/11 victims’ compensation fund legislation, as part of the economic loss component of individual claims, a claimant may also request reimbursement for past out-of-pocket medical expenses due to an eligible condition. Going through the process of claiming these benefits, however, can be arduous, which is why it’s not a bad idea to find an experienced lawyer to help. At Parker Waichman LLP, our talented and compassionate attorneys are here to assist those whose lives were forever changed by the 9/11 attacks.
What are the steps in filing a VCF claim and do I need a lawyer for this?
Video: What are the steps in filing a VCF claim and do I need a lawyer for this?
No, you don’t need a lawyer but I would highly recommend one. Everyone should have some sort of representation, someone with experience going through the process to make sure that everything is filed out on time and done correctly. Really you can apply and start the process right on the CDC website.
You can apply to the World Trade Center Health Program on your own, that’ll get you started in terms of setting up an appointment to be evaluated to see if you have a certified condition. The VCF also has its own government website where you can file a claim online. Once you get started on that aspect of the process, you can then reach out to Parker Waichman where we will assist you every step of the way.
Filing a VCF Claim
To file a claim with the VCF for compensation for your 9/11-related injuries, you’ll need to submit numerous documents supporting your claim. While a hard-copy claim form remains available, the VCF encourages claim submission and checking your WTC VCF claim status online.
To establish your eligibility, you must submit documentation including:
- A signed VCF claim form
- A form authorizing the release of your medical records
- Proof that you were at a qualifying site during the time frame specified
- Proof of 9/11-related injuries, if these have not already been certified by the WTC Health Program
You may also submit documentation to the VCF claims system supporting your case for non-economic compensation, such as medical records showing the severity of the health condition or a victim impact statement.
Both the eligibility and compensation portions of the claim must be submitted before the VCF may start its review, process a claim, and determine eligibility and compensation.
Claims for reimbursement of previously paid out-of-pocket medical expenses require submission of documentation establishing that the claimed medical expense was related to an eligible condition and that the claimant personally paid for the expense out-of-pocket. These claims must be submitted as an amendment to the original claim once your initial award determination has been made, and the VCF will only review this amendment if the total amount of claimed medical expenses is greater than $5,000.
The WTC VCF Disability Evaluation Process
The VCF only awards compensation for economic loss to a claimant found to be disabled due to a 9/11 certified physical illness. The disability finding typically must be certified by the WTC Health Program. Claimants not found to be disabled are generally not entitled to an award for economic loss under the 9/11 victims’ compensation fund legislation.
In a few cases, the VCF may compensate victims whose conditions were not certified by the WTC Health Program. This is most common in cases of deceased individuals whose conditions were not certified before their deaths. In addition, if a living injury victim is unable to go to an approved center for evaluation under the WTC Health Program, the VCF may allow for certification of a qualifying health condition by a private physician for the purposes of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claim.
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