9/11’s Other Victims: GAO confirms that 60 cancers eligible for coverage under 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

Just before the 13th anniversary of September 11, the Government Accountability Office released a report confirming the World Trade Center Health Program’s decision to include 60 cancers as eligible under the reestablished 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

Following some criticism on the inclusion of these cancers in the fund, the GAO conducted a year-long review of the decision and deemed that the approach used to determine if a cancer was correlated to 9/11 debris exposure was “reasonable.” 

“This extensive GAO review clearly supports Dr. Howard’s decision that had been criticized by some in Congress and others who opposed covering cancers for 9/11 Responders and Survivors and should answer the critics who not only opposed covering cancer but opposed passing the legislation that created the World Trade Center Health Program and reopening the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund,” stated 9/11 Health Watch, an independent watch group that advocates for and ensures that proper and long-term health and well-being commitments are upheld for 9/11 responders, survivors and their families.

Recognizing the more than 30,000 suffering from illness or injury following 9/11

This September 11, we urge all Americans to remember those who lost their lives that day as well as the more than 30,000 responders, rescue workers, volunteers and residents who lived near the twin towers who are currently suffering from illnesses or injuries caused either by the attacks or the aftermath. Because of the countless toxic chemicals and asbestos released into the atmosphere as the towers fell, tens of thousands of individuals were exposed to untold levels of hazardous, dust-laden air.  The 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund was reopened in 2011 specifically to provide economic relief to those physically injured or exposed to toxins at the 9/11 crash sites.

We continue to help people who were exposed to the toxic 9/11 debris and need guidance understanding their legal rights within the new 9/11 VCF. If you would like to consult with a Motley Rice 9/11 lawyer, by e-mail or call 1.800.768.4026 ext. 9649.

Learn more about the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

Read the Aug. 22, 2014 announcement by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

You may be interested in reading the related blogs by Motley Rice attorneys: 

A Day of Remembrance 2014 

Imminent deadline approaching for the new 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund