WTC Health Program Declines to Add Parkinson’s Disease to List of 9/11-Related Conditions
Each petition included peer-reviewed, published, epidemiologic studies of the association of various Parkinson conditions with heavy metal exposure. However, the Administrator felt the petitions were inadequate, because they did not cite such studies among 9/11 survivors. And the Administrator could not find any “peer-reviewed, published, epidemiologic studies of Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism, including manganese-induced parkinsonism, in 9/11 populations.”
However, in denying the petitions, the Administrator refused to rule out a causal connection to Parkinson’s disease or its related conditions. The question will simply exist in legal limbo until further data is available.
It is not unusual for a condition to meet with resistance before being added to the list. Officials resisted adding prostate cancer until the number of survivors afflicted with the disease reached levels they could no longer ignore. Over time, the number of recognized cancers has grown to 68. It is entirely possible that more survivors will contract a Parkinson’s condition, allowing a study of the 9/11 population to firmly establish a connection.
Unfortunately, while the condition’s listing is in limbo, so are the patients suffering from Parkinson’s. They must rely on their own health insurance to pay for treatment and cannot receive compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund.
If you have questions about your eligibility for WTC health benefits and compensation, contact our experienced attorneys who have represented 9/11 survivors from the outset. Call Barasch & McGarry at [ln::phone] or contact our office online.
22 replies on “WTC Health Program Declines to Add Parkinson’s Disease to List of 9/11-Related Conditions”
I am a retired Firefighter who was very active during 9/11. I was diagnosed with Parkinsons 2/2009 when I turned 50 years old. I have no familial history . I go to a program for Parkinsons called Rock Steady Boxing. The coach told me she has two other firemen in the night class just diagnosed with Parkinsons as well. Please keep me posted as to wether or not Parkinsons will be added to the list. My Neuroligist said being exposed to toxins puts one at great risk.
Hi Adrian, Sorry to hear that. We absolutely will keep you posted.
I spent two weeks at ground zero and have developed Parkensons. I am now 72 and have experienced PD for about 4 years
I was down to ground zero as a NYANG volunteer. Ten years later at the age of 34, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I also have no familial history and DNA tested for no known PD genes. I am registered as a WTC responder and I hope our cases are being tallied for the collective good. Thank you for not forgetting us.
I worked near world trade centre during 2001 -2010 and developed Parkinson in 2005
I worked for a company called Arbros Communications at 75 Broad Street in NYC on 911 .I had an appointment and was on my way to the trade center when the first plane hit the building. I ran towards the bridge ended up in Brooklyn. Few weeks later I was back in my office .not long after the company filed for bankruptcy
Now I have Parkinson’s disease and I am very certain that it is due in part to the condition caused from the environmental toxic of the world trade center
I was in the first tower..diagnosed by WTC with ptsd .. had a stroke 2016 , have an immune disorder that may have caused the stroke, and in dec 2019 diagnosed with PD…no family history at all..I continued to live 3 blocks from the the site for 2 years..looking in every night
Tim, have you been in contact with my office? Should you have any questions, please call us at 212-385-8000 to speak with a case representative. Take care.
Retired Lieutenant NYCPD I spent over 400 hours on site of Ground zero. Diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease about 7 or 8 months ago. Is anyone keeping stats on the number of people with Parkinsons that were at ground zero?
Hi John, we will be in contact by email.
I worked a couple blocks away from the the towers on 9/11 and was back at work three days later. Wtc dust caked our windows. I still work in the same office. I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 59 but neurologist said I have had it for about 4 years . I have no family history. I have a NYS ERS presumption letter.
Hi W.S., I will reach out now.
Has there been any movement on adding Parkinson’s to the 9/11 list of diseases? If someone can reach out and give an update that would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Adrian, Please give us a call at 212-385-8000 and we will be happy to discuss with you. Take care.
Can your firm notify me if Parkinson’s becomes a 9-11 illness? My husband was a police officer that spent time there and was now diagnosed with the disease.
Hi Donna, We’re so sorry to hear about your husband’s health. We will keep you updated.
My husband Adrian Keenan retired Lt. from NyFD died on April 8th. Please let me know if there has been any progress in adding Parkinson’s Disease to the WTC list. He was only 65 years old. We are heartbroken.
Hi Elyse, We’re sorry to hear about his passing. The condition has not yet been added, but we are fighting to expand coverage. Take.
My friend was diagnosed with Parkinson approximately 10 years ago. He has lived 3 blocks from the World Trade Center. Can I receive any updates regarding Parkinson’s being added to the list of conditions related to 9/11?
Hi, thank you for writing. Parkinson’s unfortunately has not been added yet as a covered condition. We are fighting to get it on the list.
Is your friend registered with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. We’re glad to help him in any way we can. Could you ask him to please call 800-657-0326 or visit 911victims.org?
My wife was diagnosed of Parkinson’s Disease at age 61. She had severe calf pain, muscle pain, tremors, slurred speech, frequent falls, loss of balance, difficulty in getting up from sitting position. She was put on Senemet for 6 months and then Siferol was introduced and replaced the Senemet. During this time span she was also diagnosed with dementia. She started having hallucinations and lost touch with reality. Last year, our family doctor started her on Uine Health Centre PD-5 formula, 2 months into treatment she improved dramatically. At the end of the full treatment course, the disease is totally under control. No case of dementia, hallucination, weakness, muscle pain or tremors. My wife is strong again and has gone on with her daily activities as I share this experience. I’m surprised a lot of PWP haven’t heard of PD-5 formula. we got the treatment from uinehealth centre . co m on google
David Craven
Hi David, were you or your wife in Lower Manhattan below Canal Street between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002?