Appeals of Zagroda Act (VCF) Claims

You can appeal if you want to challenge the VCF’s decision on your claim. If you want the VCF to make a new determination because of new information i.e., a new illness, you can amend your claim.

A decision must be made on an appeal before a compensation claim is paid. For eligibility appeals, compensation review is delayed until a decision is reached on your appeal. However, there is an exception. If there is an expedited status, a claim can be paid under appeal. 

In most cases, amendments don’t affect payment to be made on an original determination. Decisions to appeal or amend should be well thought out. If you believe the VCF’s determination used a low earning and you fail to appeal, you will have waived your right to a raise. 

Appeals must be filed on or before 30 days of receiving a decision letter. The appeal should be filed using the appeal form sent alongside the determination letter. If you fail to meet the appeal deadline, the VCF will start processing applicable payment. 

Do I need to hire a Zadroga Act attorney for an appeal?

You can pursue appeals on your own. However, it is important to seek legal help. The procedure for both filing and moreover appealing VCF claims can be complex. You must meet stringent deadlines and support your claim with documentation. Given the changes that have taken place with the Zadroga act renewal, additional Zadroga act covered conditions, among other changes, filing claims can be a daunting task.  

A Zadroga Act lawyer can help you secure the Zadroga act benefits you deserve, including recovering past out-of-pocket medical expenses related to 9/11 injuries or ailments. Given the finality of accepting an award and the complexity of the Zadroga 9/11 health bill, the importance of having a lawyer throughout the process can’t be overlooked.

Renewal of Victim Compensation’s Fund

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund has officially been renewed — permanently.

Under the newly signd bill, $10.2 billion will be authorized for the Fund for the next 10 years, then additional billions until 2090, essentially covering the surviving 9/11 responders for the rest of their lives.

Who is eligible for Zadroga Act Claims?

Victims of 9/11 attacks can file a claim. Alternatively, a parent, guardian, or representative can file a claim on behalf of a victim, whether the victim is alive or deceased. To enjoy benefits under the Zadroga Act & the VCF, three main requirements must be met based on location, data, and condition. 

To be eligible for compensation, 9/11 survivors or deceased victims must have been within (worked, lived or attended school/day-care facilities) within a specific location – NYC Exposure Zone or any of the other sites on one or more dates between 11^th September 2001 and 30^th May 2002

What conditions are covered under Zadroga act? 

Conditions covered include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Cancer: In case you are wondering what cancers have been covered by the Zadroga Act, cancer of the blood, respiratory system, eyes, thyroid, digestive system, urinary system, breast, head and neck, skin, female reproductive organs and lymphoid tissue (including leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma) are all covered. Mesothelioma is also covered – cancer that affects the tissue layer covering many internal organs, among other rare cancers. In total, the Zadroga act covers over 70 types of cancers. 
2. Acute traumatic injury: Burns, head trauma, fractures, and complex sprains are also covered 
3. Aerodigestive Disorders: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung diseases, asthma, chronic cough syndrome, GERD or sleep apnea linked to any of these conditions 
4. Musculoskeletal disorders: First responders who suffer from lower back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome are also covered. 

Here’s a more conclusive list of illnesses covered under the Zadroga act. 

If you/a loved one is suffering from a 9/11-related physical injury or illness, there is more time to seek compensation for lost wages in the past and future under the Zadroga Act.