VCF Payouts for GERD | Hansen & Rosasco

9/11 GERD Compensation Claims

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common conditions experienced by those who were present near the World Trade Center (WTC) in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks of September 11, 2001. It is a chronic condition that occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. This backward flow, also known as acid reflux, can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus over time. While occasional acid reflux is common after eating a meal, GERD is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs two or more times a week, or more severe symptoms occur at least once a week.

Individuals who were exposed to toxic dust in the aftermath of 9/11 are at a heightened risk of developing GERD. GERD is therefore recognized as a certified 9/11-related illness by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), and those who have developed GERD as a result of 9/11 are eligible to file a claim for compensation under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). If you experience frequent heartburn, chest pain, or sleep disruptions, and you were in the NYC Exposure Zone between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002, you may be eligible for no-cost medical care and financial compensation up to $90,000.

What is GERD?

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It develops when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus – the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach – causing irritation and other complications. Left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications like esophagitis (esophageal inflammation), Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition), and esophageal cancer. For those exposed to 9/11 toxins, these risks are heightened, making ongoing health monitoring essential for an early diagnosis.

The Link Between 9/11 and GERD

Studies have shown elevated rates of GERD among responders, residents, students, and workers exposed to the WTC dust cloud. Many toxic substances, such as heavy metals, silica, and other airborne irritants that were present in the 9/11 dust cloud, can damage the mucous lining of the esophagus, leading to chronic reflux conditions.

Often, individuals exposed to the 9/11 dust cloud develop GERD alongside other respiratory or digestive illnesses, or cancer. In those cases, referred to as co-occurring GERD, individuals may be compensated by the VCF if diagnosed five years or more after initial 9/11 exposure. When GERD occurs without other WTC-related conditions, it is referred to as standalone or isolated GERD and is only eligible if the diagnosis occurred within one year of 9/11 exposure.

Common Symptoms of GERD

Symptoms of GERD can vary based on how severely the esophagus is affected, but typically include the following:

Persistent heartburn (burning chest pain near the breastbone)
Regurgitation of sour or bitter fluid
Difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of food getting stuck
Chronic throat issues like hoarseness, sore throat, and coughing
Chest pain
Sleep interruption from nighttime reflux

If you’ve experienced these problems regularly since 9/11 and were in the NYC Exposure Zone – the area of downtown Manhattan, south of Canal Street – or one of the other crash sites at the Pentagon or in Shanksville, Pennsylvania – your symptoms may be related to 9/11 exposure.

How to Know if You Qualify for GERD Compensation from 9/11 Exposure

To qualify for compensation from the VCF, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

Timeline of Symptoms: Eligibility for compensation depends on whether you developed co-occurring GERD or isolated GERD, and the timeline when GERD developed after exposure. Co-occurring GERD must be diagnosed at least five years after the exposure date, while isolated GERD must be diagnosed within one year of exposure.
WTCHP Certification: You must be enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program and certified with GERD or other related conditions (e.g., Barrett’s esophagus or esophagitis).
Proof of Presence: You must show you were present in the NYC Exposure Zone (south of Houston Street, Lower Manhattan, Staten Island Landfill, barges) or the Pentagon and Shanksville crash sites, between September 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.
Filing the Claim: A VCF claim must be filed, typically within two years of WTCHP certification or when one knows or reasonably should have known their condition is eligible for compensation, or within two years of a loved one’s passing.
Documentation of Losses: You must provide documentation of your economic losses (medical bills, over-the-counter and prescription medications, lost wages) and non-economic losses (pain, suffering, loss of life enjoyment).

GERD Treatment Options

The WTC Health Program provides no-cost treatment for those with 9/11-related GERD. There are multiple approaches for treating GERD. Treatment options include:

Lifestyle and dietary support to reduce acid reflux
Over-the-counter and prescription medications such as antacids, histamine 2 (H2) blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and prokinetic agents
Surgical options for severe complications, such as fundoplication for esophageal dilation
Screenings and treatment planning for Barrett’s esophagus to prevent progression

Patients often respond to a combination of lifestyle changes and medication, but other patients may require surgery or prefer it to a lifetime of taking medication.

Contact Our VCF Attorneys Today to See If You’re Eligible

Filing a claim for compensation through the VCF can be a daunting process. At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our law firm is dedicated to representing the 9/11 community. We can help with:

Evaluating eligibility, especially around co-occurring vs. isolated GERD
Gathering comprehensive documentation: presence records, WTCHP certification, loss evidence
Filing on time, avoiding missed deadlines, or incomplete applications
Handling appeals, if your claim is delayed or initially denied

Our trusted VCF attorneys will guide you through this process with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Support Resources for GERD Patients

In addition to medical treatment through the WTCHP and financial compensation through the VCF, helpful resources include:

Harvard Health: Guide to at-home treatments for acid reflux.
IB SGroup.org : GERD-support forums for diet management and emotional support
ReviveResearch.org: Resources for managing complications with obstructive sleep apnea
Yale New Haven Health: Resources for managing complications with Barrett’s esophagus

With support, you can prioritize your health and compensation, so you don’t have to face GERD alone. Contact our dedicated 9/11 attorneys today to find out more about your eligibility for compensation.

“They handled my mother’s claim and did a fantastic job. They were the middle man to the government and we were ecstatic when my mother received the most pain and suffering for her cancer.” -Rebecca F.

Review: 5 / 5

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