Category Archives: Victim Compensation Fund
Adding Conditions to an Existing VCF Claim
Studies have compellingly linked a multitude of conditions affecting various bodily systems to WTC debris exposure. It has become painfully obvious, however, that many exposure victims can find themselves suffering from several of these conditions. In many cases, their illnesses did not manifest all at once but developed incrementally over a long period of time. […]
VCF Adds Deputy Special Master
Administering the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is a significant responsibility. Despite notable progress, the Special Master and her staff have faced criticism for the pace at which claims are being processed. As of October 2013, the VCF had a staff of 75, including 11 attorneys working directly under the Special Master. The Special Master […]
New Compensation Statistics Published
Recent numbers indicate that significant progress has been made to compensate victims of the events of September 11. The Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) continues to pick up momentum in its efforts to process claims and distribute payments to eligible applicants. But more work remains before we can say that all victims and families seeking redress […]
Are the Statistics on Your Side?
Statistics show that getting your Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) claim approved depends mostly on whether the VCF has adequate documentation. At the end of January, 2014, the VCF Program released statistics that give you an idea of the number of claims that fail to move through the system and why. Before the VCF even reviews […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
