The Private Physician Process and How It Affects Individuals Who Died of an Ineligible 9/11 Condition
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) compensates survivors of deceased persons who suffered from 9/11-related health conditions, and who have since died of those same conditions. The VCF also pays claims pays compensation to individuals who suffer from adverse health conditions resulting from their presence at a 9/11 exposure site, or from working in the subsequent cleanup efforts.

It was one of the most memorable images from the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan in the hours and days after the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001: People covered in dust. Unfortunately, the dust contained hundreds of toxins, such as cement, gypsum, asbestos, glass fibers, calcium carbonate, lead, and other metal particles. Over the years after the attacks occurred, the first responders and people who lived, worked, or attended school in lower Manhattan (as far north as Houston Street) began experiencing serious health issues because of the exposure to these substances.