A message from Special Master, Sheila Birnbaum, on the special notice announcing certain types of cancer added to the list of WTC-Related Health Conditions

Dear Claimants,

The final rule adding certain types of cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions took effect on Friday, October 12, 2012.

Under the VCF, if you know (or reasonably should know) as of October 12, 2012 that you suffer from a covered cancer, you must file your claim by October 12, 2014 in order for the VCF to consider your condition. If you learn after October 12, 2012 that you suffer from a covered cancer, you must file your claim within two years of the date you learn (or reasonably should have known) that you suffer from the covered cancer in order for the VCF to consider your condition. Examples: if you learned that you suffer from a covered cancer on May 1, 2012, you will have until October 12, 2014 to file your claim. However, if you learn that you suffer from a covered cancer on January 1, 2013, you will have until January 1, 2015 to file your claim.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with a covered cancer will be eligible for compensation from the VCF provided the cancer is determined to be a result of the September 11th attacks under the standards to be developed by the World Trade Center Health Program and provided they meet the VCF's other eligibility criteria. For more information on the VCF's eligibility requirements and the types of cancer added to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions, see the VCF's Frequently Asked Questions.

Yours,

Sheila