Search Site
Menu
FREE CASE EVALUATION 888-351-9421
Home / Blog / WTC Health Program Declines to Add Parkinson’s Disease to List of 9/11-Related Conditions
WTC Health Program Declines to Add Parkinson’s Disease to List of 9/11-Related Conditions

On July 13, 2017, the Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program denied two petitions that sought to have Parkinson’s disease and manganese-induced parkinsonism added to the center’s List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Under the review process established by the Zadroga Act, medical evidence must show a “health condition is substantially likely to be causally associated with 9/11 exposure.” The two petitions from 9/11 survivors met the threshold test in that they “suggested a potential association between exposure to known 9/11 agents and Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism, including manganese-induced parkinsonism,” but ultimately were rejected for insufficient evidence of causation.

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 888-351-9421 or contact our office online.

By Michael Barasch | Published October 15, 2017 | Posted in WTC Health Program | Tagged 9/11-related illness, List of WTC-Related Health Conditions, Parkinson's disease

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    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.

Compensation available to residents and office workers, teachers and students – not just responders and volunteers
Check if you qualify
Our Attorneys
Testimonials

  • "Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson handled everything professionally and with patience. They always had time to answer all my questions and did what they promised. Thanks esp to Brian Calamaris Lee London, and Mariya Atanasova. Thank you." - William Collins, FDNY

  • "If I could give them six stars I would...don't even bother talking to anyone else concerning 9/11. The whole team worked night and day to deliver an outstanding settlement. They are honest, hard working and extremely professional. Just make the one phone call and let them do the rest." - Les Margulis, resident in the exposure zone

  • "I had a very good experience with Michael and Mariya. They made the process stress free. I would recommend this firm to anyone seeking assistance with 9/11 related illnesses." - JE Kirwan, worked in the exposure zone

  • "The people at this firm were just great. They were concern with making sure I was taken care of in every way possible. When I was given an award Mr. Barasch didn't think it was a fair amount and appealed the decision which got me a larger award. I am very satisfied with everything they did for me in the past and are willing to do for me and my family in the future." - Bob Wiecezak, FDNY-Retired

  • "Excellent law firm. Lee London and his staff were very responsive and always followed up with phone calls or emails. This firm is a strong example of what caring and personable lawyers are all about." - Letitia Egan, wife of client, volunteer in the exposure zone

SEE ALL TESTIMONIALS

  • Deadline Extended to Register for Compensation

    There is still time to apply for significant compensation if you have been diagnosed with any of the 68 cancers that doctors at the WTC Health Program (WTCHP) have linked to the WTC toxic dust. The deadline to apply to the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is two years from the date that a cancer has been certified by the WTC Health Program — or any other governmental agency. The two-year period to register doesn’t start on the day of a cancer diagnosis. Rather, it starts only when a cancer survivor is made aware their cancer was linked to exposure to the WTC toxins.

    For those who died from their WTC-linked cancers, the two-year period for their family to register starts on the day of the death of the WTC victim.

    Register For Compensation

Please help spread the word about the strict two-year deadline to register a claim

Many people have tried to complete the VCF application on their own, only to learn that it requires answers to hundreds of questions and many documents to download. It would be our pleasure to help you complete the process in order to ensure that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to. Please call us for a free consultation.

Let a knowledgeable attorney help you figure it out

A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying. You undoubtedly have questions about your disease and how you will pay for treatment. Lawyers at Barasch & McGarry ensure you understand the complex requirements and help devise the best strategies for obtaining compensation and appropriate medical care under the Zadroga Act. Contact our law firm online or call 888-351-9421. The initial consultation is free, so it costs you nothing to find out whether a lawyer can help.

  • Barasch & McGarry Personal Injury Websites

    • Contact Us

    Fill out the form below with any questions or info on how to get your free consultation

    Quick Contact Form