Right now seems to be a time of pandemics for the United States, most of them stemming from the restrictions needed to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic violence is on the rise, food insecurity is reportedly increasing, and joblessness is at an all-time high. One group, in particular, has been struggling for years due to the sacrifices they made for their country, and now their struggles are being exacerbated by the novel coronavirus: 9/11 first responders.

September 11 first responders risked their lives and their health following the World Trade Center terrorist attacks, and now their lives are being threatened again due to the injuries and illnesses they sustained in the days and years following the attack. These illnesses have put these heroes at an increased risk of developing a life-threatening case of COVID-19.

Common Illnesses Among 9/11 First Responders

Our understanding of what types of illnesses were sustained during the 9/11 attacks and the clean-up process afterward has changed over time. The full effects of the attack and the health issues sustained by the 9/11 first responders weren’t immediately clear. However, victims advocates have worked hard to make sure that each illness sustained by a first responder during the attacks or the aftermath is covered by the 9/11 Victim’s Compensation Fund.

The Fund maintains a list of all conditions covered by the fund. Ostensibly, these are all of the conditions 9/11 first responders may have that could put them at greater risk from COVID-19. The list includes but is not limited to the following illnesses:

• Aerodigestive disorders: asthma, chronic laryngitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), interstitial lung diseases, reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS), chronic nasopharyngitis, chronic respiratory disorder due to fumes/vapors, etc.
• Cancers: diffuse non-Hodgkins lymphomas, follicular non-Hodgkins lymphomas, Hodgkin’s disease, leukemias, malignant immunoproliferative diseases, multiple myeloma, etc.
• Mental health conditions: adjustment disorder, acute stress disorder, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
• Musculoskeletal disorders: low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.

COVID-19 At-Risk Groups

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are some groups of people who are at a bigger risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19. Unfortunately, 9/11 first responders may fall into multiple groups, and not just those to do with illnesses. For instance, roughly 13 percent of 9/11 first responders are above the age of 65, one of the COVID-19 at-risk groups, according to the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

The CDC also lists people with chronic lung diseases and those under cancer treatment among those at the highest risk from the novel coronavirus. The WTCHP reports that aerodigestive issues, relating to the respiratory system and upper digestive tract (the mouth, throat, lips, etc.), affect nearly half of the first responders who have filed for compensation through the 9/11 Victims Fund. A little over 15 percent of filers are seeking compensation for cancer.

Can 9/11 First Responders Seek Compensation for COVID-19?

Over the years, dozens of illnesses and health problems have been added to the list of conditions covered by the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. Because of this, it’s impossible to say what additional issues will be covered by the fund in the future. As of now, the WTCHP is offering limited compensation for 9/11 first responders who contract COVID-19. 

“We are able to provide COVID-19 testing and care to members who are at high risk due to certified WTC-related conditions,” the WTCHP states.

If you think you may qualify for compensation, the WTCHP recommends contacting your nearest WTCHP clinic. A list of these locations can be found on the WTCHP site.  Additionally, a group of lawmakers has proposed the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act. If passed, the act will create a coronavirus compensation fund for essential workers – a group that includes first responders.