VCF Compensation For COPD and Asthma

Common Breathing Conditions in 9/11 Survivors

Conditions related to breathing difficulties have turned out to be some of the most common illnesses among first responders and 9/11 victims. Surrounded by the dust cloud, breathing in various cancer toxins and experiencing high-volume asbestos exposure – we can only imagine the impact that this has had on the quality of life for many individuals. If you are a firefighter with asthma, a first responder experiencing breathing problems, or were a local resident or worker in Downtown Manhattan in 2001-2002 who is having breathing difficulties – know that compensation for COPD, asthma, and other related breathing conditions is available from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

COPD and Asthma in First Responders and 9/11 Victims

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma have caused suffering for too many 9/11 first responders and rescue workers, as well as Downtown Manhattan residents and office and other workers. The law firm of Hansen & Rosasco, LLP represents many people who’ve developed breathing conditions. We have filed their claims with the 9/11 Fund, and they have received substantial awards for COPD. Many are eligible for asthma compensation, along with payouts for other related breathing conditions.

COPD Conditions

There are two main conditions associated with COPD: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is a chronic progressive disease, which means it gets progressively worse over time. This disease causes difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and uncontrolled coughing, which produces mucus/phlegm.

The Original “World Trade Center Cough”

Unfortunately, many people who were exposed to the toxic dust and fumes at Ground Zero began to have respiratory symptoms shortly after the terrorist attacks. Most conditions were reported as a “World Trade Center Cough.” As months and years passed, the cough remained for many, and even more serious chronic conditions set in – including COPD. COPD develops and gets worse slowly over time. Many people don’t even know that they have this condition. It is a major cause of disability and, in some severe cases, death. COPD often limits the sufferer’s ability to work and perform basic activities such as climbing stairs, walking, and taking care of their own home.

Our firm won $1.6 million for an FDNY Firefighter who was totally disabled by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).

Compensation for COPD

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides free lifetime health care, and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) pays out a cash award for compensation to anyone suffering from COPD, asthma or emphysema after they’re having been in Lower Manhattan on or in the months after 9/11. Originally, these two programs provided medical care and compensation to anyone who was suffering from aggravations or the worsening of pre-existing 9/11 COPD, but not to newly diagnosed cases of COPD.

The Expansion of the WTCHP and VCF for COPD

After many additional scientific medical studies, however, the WTC Health Program and the VCF were expanded. As of August 5, 2016, newly-onset COPD was included as a condition eligible for lifetime healthcare and compensation. Under the current rules, any 9/11-exposed individual with COPD – regardless of whether the COPD was pre-existing and aggravated or a new diagnosis – is entitled to free lifetime health care and victim compensation.

We Represent First Responders and 9/11 Survivors Exclusively

As each new case of a firefighter with asthma, first responder with breathing problems, and Downtown Manhattan office worker with a severe cough comes forward – we become that much more determined to get these individuals and their families compensation for COPD, along with other related awards for their illnesses through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

Should you have questions about free medical care or asthma compensation, COPD payouts, awards for other 9/11-related illnesses, or the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund in general, please call us at 855-201-3630 or fill out a contact form here.

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COPD and Asthma