A year after it was permanently reauthorized, the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is more important now than ever. But just over a year ago, the act’s passage (officially known as the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Act”) was far from certain, and was the result of over a decade of advocacy by a determined group of survivors.
The effort to renew the act got an unexpected boost from comedian Jon Stewart, whose fiery testimony before Congress helped push it across the finish line. As a result, the VCF has been given new life and a stable future. For more information about pursuing a VCF claim, please contact a 9/11 lawyer.
The VCF Makes a Difference to 9/11 Survivors and Their Families
The VCF cannot undo the damage that was done on 9/11. It cannot bring lost family members back, cure survivors of their illnesses, or erase the psychological trauma that haunts them to this day. But it can provide financial stability to individuals and families whose lives were forever changed by the events of that day.
Even if a 9/11 survivor is suffering a terminal 9/11-related illness, the VCF ensures that his or her family will be taken care of in the long term. The permanent reauthorization of the VCF makes certain that these benefits will be available to anyone who needs them and that no one’s 9/11 benefits will have to be reduced or withheld due to lack of funding.
Medical Care Is Even More Important During the COVID-19 Pandemic
While medical care is always essential for those suffering from 9/11-related illnesses, it is particularly essential during the current pandemic. This is because the most common illnesses associated with exposure to Ground Zero toxins are respiratory illnesses, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung diseases, and reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS).
COVID-19 also attacks the lungs, putting those who have pre-existing respiratory illnesses at greater risk of complications. Many 9/11 survivors who have been treated for various types of cancers through chemotherapy or radiation are also at greater risk of contracting the virus, as those treatments can compromise the patient’s immune system.
New 9/11-Related Illnesses Are Always Being Discovered
As more time passes after the attacks, researchers continue to discover new 9/11-related illnesses. For example, in 2013, no cancers had been linked to Ground Zero toxins, but today, 68 cancers have been linked. The permanent reauthorization of the VCF will ensure that funding remains available for individuals whose illnesses have not yet been linked to Ground Zero exposure.
Contact a 9/11 Attorney for More Information about the VCF
For more information about the 9/11 VCF and how it can help you and your family, please contact a 9/11 attorney at Pitta & Baione by using our online form or calling us at 844-982-2667.
