The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund recently changed its policy on prostate cancer claims in a way that directly benefits claimants. Most people who are eligible do not know about it yet.
Additional forms need to be prepared in support of the claim and the potential exists for up to an additional $50,000 over and above the current $200,000 baseline.
If you or someone you know was diagnosed with prostate cancer after being in the 9/11 exposure zone, this update is important.
What Changed
Previously, if a VCF claimant with prostate cancer wanted to receive an award above the $200,000 baseline, they had to submit substantial documentation outlining any residual medical issues as a result of their treatment. These residuals might typically include urinary incontinence/frequency or erectile/sexual dysfunction.
In addition to the medical documentation, a claimant is now required to submit an Impact Statement as to such condition(s) and how it has affected them. The amount can also be increased under certain circumstances by up to an additional $50,000 for a recurrence or metastasis. The total maximum award for prostate cancer if these additional circumstances exist is up to $250,000.
The concept is to provide specific relevant information coming directly from the claimant. As always, with all our firm's clients, we work with you in establishing the best possible outcome for your case. This includes the preparation of this new document.
Why This Matters
The Fund can consider up to an additional $50,000 over and above the typical $200,000 baseline award for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed 9/11-related cancers. Thousands of men who lived, worked, or volunteered in the exposure zone after September 11, 2001 have since been diagnosed.
Many of these men were aware they could file a VCF claim but chose not to pursue amounts above the baseline because the process felt invasive, stressful, or not worth the effort. This policy change removes that barrier entirely.
For men who have already received a baseline award, or even if such is pending, this also opens the door to filing an amendment to seek additional compensation based on documented complications as above indicated, up to a total of $250,000 if medical records indicate a recurrence or metastasis.
Who Qualifies
To be eligible for a VCF prostate cancer claim, you must meet the following criteria:
- You were present in the 9/11 exposure zone for a period of time. This includes Lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, or Shanksville, PA. For those in New York at the time, this includes Lower Manhattan south of Houston Street at any time between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002.
- You have been diagnosed with prostate cancer more than four years after your first date in the exposure zone.
- Your diagnosis must be certified through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). If you are not yet enrolled in the WTCHP, an attorney can help you get registered.
- Your prostate cancer is linked to your 9/11 exposure. The WTCHP and VCF have established criteria for connecting prostate cancer diagnoses to toxic exposure from the World Trade Center disaster.
What You Could Receive
The baseline VCF award for a certified prostate cancer diagnosis is $200,000. Claimants can now receive higher amounts, often up to an additional $50,000 for the cancer, based on urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, recurrence, or metastasis.
As in all claims, for an even larger potential award, evidence can also be submitted as to:
- Economic losses, including lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Medical expenses not covered by other programs
- Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
The specific amount depends on your individual circumstances, including your age, employment history, the severity of your condition, and the impact on your daily life. Many claimants receive significantly more than the baseline.
Awards from the VCF are tax-free.
How to File
The VCF claims process involves several steps, and the documentation requirements can be complex. An experienced VCF attorney can handle the entire process, including:
- Registering you with the World Trade Center Health Program if you are not already enrolled
- Gathering the medical records and proof-of-presence documentation required for your claim
- Preparing and submitting your VCF claim, including a detailed attorney memorandum that presents your case in the strongest possible terms
- Pursuing additional compensation under the new policy if you have already received a baseline award
The VCF is funded through 2090, but there are registration deadlines that apply depending on when you were diagnosed. Waiting to file can put your eligibility at risk.
About Cannata, Hendele & Cannata
Our firm has represented more than 1,200 members of the 9/11 community and recovered hundreds of millions in VCF compensation. We have extensive experience with prostate cancer claims specifically, and we handle every aspect of the process from WTCHP enrollment through final VCF award.
There are no upfront fees. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is 10% of your award.
Next Step
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was in the 9/11 exposure zone, contact Cannata, Hendele & Cannata for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your situation and explain your options.
Call 1-888-982-8428 or contact us online at wtcvictimfund.com/contact
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