The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides compensation to responders and survivors who suffered injuries and economic losses because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In order to file a compensation claim, eligible individuals must register with the fund. Those who were diagnosed with prostate cancer on or before October 21, 2013 must register by October 21, 2015 to preserve their eligibility to file a claim, according to The PBA Beat, a monthly newsletter for members of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. Potential claimants may register or get more information at www.vcf.gov or by calling (855) 885-1555.
The 2010 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation established two major programs for 9/11 responders and survivors, the VCF and the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring. If Congress does not take action to reauthorize the Zadroga Act, these programs will expire starting this fall. WTC Health Program funding will end in October 2015 and the VCF will expire in October 2016. The WTC Health Program monitors more than 70,000 people and treats 33,000. If the health program is not renewed, cash reserves will be used to keep the program running into next year before it ends entirely.
These programs are crucial for many responders suffering from serious medical conditions as a result of toxic exposures on 9/11 and during the subsequent cleanup and recovery operations. Matthew J. McCauley, senior litigation counsel at Parker Waichman LLP, urges “permanent reauthorization of the Zadroga Act,” to benefit those who “sacrificed their health and well-being at a time when their country needed them most. They and their families deserve benefits.” Parker Waichman worked for the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, and Mr. McCauley, along with clients of the firm, joined a rally and lobbying effort last month in Washington DC. Jon Stewart, former host of “The Daily Show,” was among the legislators and luminaries at the rally. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is a key sponsor and advocate in the bipartisan group of 37 senators and 151 House members working for permanent extension of the Zadroga Act.
Some 9/11-related illnesses, including a number of cancers, can take years to develop. Thousands of people involved in the rescue and recovery effort were exposed to toxins at Ground Zero. They worked in dangerous conditions, often without proper protective equipment. A wide array of dangerous chemicals, carcinogens, asbestos, and pulverized cement were released when the Twin Towers fell and these substances spread and settled in homes, offices, and buildings. Tens of thousands of people were exposed.
Citizens for Extension of the Zadroga Act reports that more than 85 NYPD officers and 130 firefighters have died from 9/11 injuries since the day of the attacks. More than 33,000 9/11 responders and survivors have been diagnosed with an illness or injury resulting from the attacks, or their aftermath, and many have been diagnosed with more than one 9/11-related illness. They suffer a variety of chronic and deadly diseases, including asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and cancers. More than 50 types of cancer caused by 9/11 toxins have been identified.
from Parker Waichman http://www.yourlawyer.com/blog/911-responders-diagnosed-with-prostate-cancer-may-still-register-for-victim-compensation-fund/
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