In 2009 I mentioned that some of my friends from Battelle in the 90's tested positive for Beryllium and CBD. (https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php?topic=20945.0) I also know some folks from Rocky Flats that have had issues as well. Many of them have sought out help, and have received it.
If you or someone you know developed a lung condition or a cancer after working at a DOE Site, there may help and compensation available to you. In 2000, Congress enacted a program for sick nuclear workers, called Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. (EEOICPA)
If you are a qualified worker, and you have a covered illness, this program can compensate you up to $400,000, and it pays the costs of all medical treatment related to that condition for life.
Recently, I met a NukeWorker advocate (https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=68627) who helps workers receive their EEOICPA benefits.
She is experienced in handling cancer and chronic lung disease cases, as well as "Survivor" claims for the spouses and children of deceased workers. We have several people listed in our fallen section that I believe this could help their survivors.
I would like to recommend her as a resource to anyone who has questions about or would like help with EEOICPA. Her contact information is below, or you can contact her via this forum (her handle is NukeWorker advocate (https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=68627)).
Below is a message she asked me to share with to you.
Quote from: NukeWorker Advocate on May 09, 2016, 02:02Thank you Michael for the introduction.
My name is Erin Hagle. I am the granddaughter of a Los Alamos Protective Force Officer, who passed away from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Working together with the Law Office of Liam Griffin in Ruidoso, NM, I prepare claims for nuclear workers from across the United States.
My primary mission is to reach as many sick workers as possible, to ensure they receive the financial help, medical coverage, and support they are due. I have seen many times how claimants' lives are instantly made happier when they have the money to provide an inheritance for their children and grandchildren; and the stress that is lifted when they realize they don't need to spend another dime paying for illnesses caused by their work. Even when a person has already died from their radiation exposure, these benefits may provide their family with financial relief, as they did for my grandmother.
If you feel EEOICPA medical coverage and compensation could help you or someone you know, this is the time to submit a claim for it. For workers, one reason to begin the process now is that your medical expenses are only reimbursed from the date you submit your claim, onward (once your condition is accepted).
As an advocate, my role is to shorten and ease the claims process, and increase the success rate for workers and their families. Advocates' services are completely contingency-based, and workers do not owe any fee until they have received their compensation. For those workers who wish to pursue this process on their own, I'm glad to answer any questions you may have.
Contact me via phone at (505) 906 - 6853
Or
On NukeWorker.com's forum (NukeWorker advocate (https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=68627))
Thank you.
-Erin Hagle
F.A.Q.s Regarding the Program:
Q. What type of employment qualifies me for the EEOICPA benefits?
A. In order to qualify for benefits, you must have worked for "Department of Energy (DOE), its contractors or subcontractors, atomic weapons employers" or "designated beryllium vendors". If you worked at certain work Sites during specified time periods (referred to as "SEC"), this will make it easier for DOL to accept your claim, but is not the only factor in determining your eligibility.
Q. What if I already tried to submit a claim and was denied?
A. A denial does not always disqualify you from receiving your EEOICPA benefits. An advocate can help you overturn a denial.
Q. What lung conditions are approvable and how do I know if I have one?
A. There are many lung conditions for which you can receive medical coverage through EEOICPA. Two conditions, resulting from exposures to Silica or Beryllium, are compensable for a settlement if you are approved. A battery of medical tests including PFT (breathing test), CPET (Exercise Test), Chest X-ray, and BeLPT are helpful in diagnosing occupational lung conditions. You may want to participate in the Former Worker Medical Screening Program, which provides these tests at no cost.