The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) provides compensation and medical benefits to employees whose exposure to toxic chemicals while working in the nuclear weapons industry may have caused or worsened illnesses and conditions. There are two pathways to file a claim through the EEOICPA program. The two pathways are Part B and Part E.
The Part B portion of EEOCIPA pertains to claims involving cancer due to radiation, beryllium sensitivity and chronic beryllium disease, and silicosis.
Upon acceptance, Part B claims are eligible to receive a Medical Benefits Card, nicknamed the "White Card." This card acts as a full coverage insurance card for the accepted condition.
Part B claims are also eligible for a $150,000 cash settlement. Along with this, Part B claims are eligible to be immediately evaluated for an impairment rating that can result in an additional cash settlement with a maximum value of $250,000
The Part E portion of EEOCIPA pertains to claims involving a large pool of medical conditions. This includes conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and many illnesses not handled under Part B.
Upon acceptance, Part E claims are also eligible to receive a Medical Benefits Card. This card is the same as that for Part B, and will also act as a full coverage insurance card for the accepted conditions.
Part E claims are also eligible to be evaluated for an impairment rating that results in a cash settlement with a maximum value of $250,000.
If it is determined that a DOE worker has an illness, and a possible toxic exposure from their time at a DOE location, the claims process begins. The claims process generally takes six to eight months when using an experienced authorized representative. In some cases of dire need the process can be expedited. After acceptance, the claimant typically receives their White Card within a couple of weeks.
Also after acceptance, an impairment rating appointment is scheduled with an Impairment specialist doctor, which will determine the amount of compensation available. Following the appointment, the DOL will review the score given, awarding the claimant monetary compensation. This step could be done within a week in some cases, but generally takes one to two months.
Think of the EEOICPA program as a complicated workman's compensation program managed by the federal government. Filing the application, navigating the process, understanding how to reply to the Department of Labor, and receiving acceptance of a claim is an extremely difficult procress. Without a thorough understanding of the program the claim can take multiple years to process. With an experienced authorized representative at your side, acceptance of your claim can be accomplished in fraction of the time.
An Authorized Representative advocates for and assists eligible DOE workers (and family) in receiving EEOICPA benefits. From filing paperwork to acceptance of your the claim, the Authorized Representative facilitates all communication and action required when working with the Department of Labor on behalf of the claimant.
EEOICPA requires an Authorized Representative to charge a fee of 2% of an initial claim or an additional 10% of a previously denied claim that is refiled and accepted for the Authorized Representatives services. This fee is only charged after the DOE worker receives acceptance and compensation for their claim.