Author Archives: Michael Barasch
Benefits Related to Losses Caused by 9/11 Injuries
Severe illness or injury related to 9/11 inevitably results in economic losses such as lost wages, job loss or loss of career. By comparison, non-economic losses are less tangible, such as pain and suffering. However they are also compensable. People have concerns about being compensated for such losses and rightly so. It is important to […]
Amendments to List of WTC-Related Conditions Include More Types of Cancer
Recent revisions to the list of World Trade Center Related Conditions resulted in newly eligible certifications for four types of cancer: Brain Cervical Pancreatic Testicular The Federal Register issued a report about the Health and Human Services Department’s final rule in February, 2014. Previously, individuals with these types of cancers were denied World Trade Center […]
What Options Do You Have if You Suffer PTSD from 9/11?
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition that develops after facing a traumatic event. With PTSD, the high adrenaline response to escape from danger is relived even though danger is no longer present. PTSD can develop as a result of any traumatic incident and many people who were involved in one way or […]
How Does the VCF Pay Your Award?
After the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) determines that you are eligible for an award, you have the right to accept the amount awarded or appeal if you believe the amount is inadequate. If you accept the award, you receive an initial payment within 20 days from your acceptance date. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) […]
How Do You Handle Medical Information for a VCF Claim?
Initially, the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) planned to reach out directly to physicians and gather medical information for claimants. However, most physicians preferred direct requests from patients instead. Consequently, patients work with their physicians to provide the necessary information for VCF claims. Also, claimants must pay for the expenses involved with the physician documenting records […]
Current Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) vs. Initial VCF
How does the current Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) differ from the initial VCF closed in 2004? The first iteration of the VCF was the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, administered by Special Master Kenneth Feinberg. This version of the VCF closed in 2004. It had the advantage of being backed by the entire U.S. Treasury. […]
First Appeals on Victim Compensation Fund Are Heard
Beginning in January, 2014, Special Master Sheila Birnbaum and the Deputy Special Master presided over the first Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) appeals hearings held in New York City. The specially trained and recruited Hearing Officers joined them, conducting both in-person and telephone conference hearings. According to the VCF press release, those overseeing the hearings have […]
Hard on the Heart: 9/11 and Cardiovascular Disease
The events of September 11, 2001, broke the heart of America. The injury and pain of that day remain with us still. A recent study supports a link between the events of 9/11, post-traumatic stress and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. From witnessing or participating in a frightening or dangerous event, many people suffer entrenched […]
New WTC Health Program Research Recommendations
The Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STAC) plays an important role in driving research and recommendations for the WTC Health Program (WTCHP). The group recently prioritized research aims for this year. Established by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, the advisory committee is made up of those with a helpful and […]
VCF Appeals Hearings Underway in New York
In January of this year, the first September 11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) appeal hearings were held in New York City. Rulings on claims and appeals hearings are finally underway. For victims of 9/11, the wait for compensation has been trying. After filing a claim and required documentation, many victims have waited years for their […]
