The 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund recently released that the number and types of 9/11 related illnesses have increased in recent years.

On May 10, the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund released that first responders and citizens who were near Ground Zero are reporting “increased numbers and types of illnesses.” As victims of the terrorist attacks and their fallout age, they are developing more illnesses and are seeking compensation through the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.

“As we see increasing numbers and types of illnesses befalling this heroic community, I am acutely aware of the need to process claims as expeditiously as possible,” said special master Rupa Bhattacharyya of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, according to ABC News. “Each claim represents an individual life that was forever changed that day.”

The 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund was established in 2011 by the Zadroga Act. The fund is intended to provide compensation for first responders and other victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

To date, the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund has awarded nearly $4 billion to nearly 14,000 first responders who assisted during the fallout in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The fund has also assisted 2,800 other victims who lived, worked, or traveler through lower Manhattan and were exposed to toxic dust.

During the 9/11 terrorist attacks, huge amounts of toxic materials were released into the air where they were inhaled or consumed by first responders and citizens. Years later, many victims have reported developing illnesses related to the toxic materials.

Former NYPD Intelligence Division agent Robert J. told ABC News, “I went to a seminar and a doctor got up there and said ‘It’s not if, it’s when. Whether it’s sleep apnea or chronic sinusitis, you’re going to get something.’”

In Robert’s case, his condition was stage 4 throat cancer preceded by a gastrointestinal condition. “Everything was going well. I had retired. I had a new career. I was living the dream until I had a tennis ball sticking out of my neck,” Robert stated. “I have two kids, a wife that doesn’t work, and a pension that dies with me. You don’t need to be like that if you’re sick. You don’t have to be sick to be registered.”

As a part of the NYPD Intelligence Division, Robert was part of an evidence collection team which worked with toxic piles of material at Ground Zero. Now Robert volunteers at the Queen World Trade Center Health Program. As a volunteer, he helps retired cops understand their option and encourages them to register for the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund even if they aren’t currently sick.

“Hopefully you don’t get sick, you just go for your annuals and hopefully nothing comes up. But if it does, the government is already aware,” Robert told ABC News. “It’s a great insurance policy.”  Victims have until December 2020 to register for the right to file a claim before the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund closes for submissions.

As with any fund, there are individuals attempting to scam consumers by impersonating the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. The Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission are currently investigating.

“It has come to our attention that unknown persons are attempting to impersonate the VCF in an effort to scam claimants and potential claimants into turning over personal information,” the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund announced last month.