Resources / Eligibility / Covered Conditions
What Physical Conditions Qualify for 9/11 Healthcare and Compensation?
Key Takeaways
The WTC Health Program certifies conditions as 9/11-related, and that certification is what qualifies you for both programs: free healthcare through the WTC Health Program and financial compensation through the VCF. Five categories of conditions are covered: cancers, aerodigestive and respiratory disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, acute traumatic injuries, and mental health conditions. Mental health qualifies for WTC Health Program treatment only, not VCF financial compensation. Cancer certification requires meeting minimum latency requirements. Most aerodigestive conditions require that symptoms begin within maximum time intervals after your exposure. This page lists every covered condition and explains what each requires.
To receive treatment through the WTC Health Program, a condition must first be certified as 9/11-related by the program and treated through a participating provider. Certification requires a clinical determination that your condition meets the program's criteria for that specific condition type. Responders enrolled in the WTC Health Program receive annual monitoring whether or not a condition has been certified. For VCF compensation purposes, WTC Health Program certification is the standard path, though the VCF's internal Private Physician Process provides an alternative in limited circumstances.
How the Two Programs Connect
WTC Health Program certification serves both programs at once. A certified physical condition qualifies you for free healthcare through the WTC Health Program and allows you to submit a claim for financial compensation through the Victim Compensation Fund. Mental health conditions are the exception: they are covered for WTC Health Program treatment but do not qualify for VCF financial compensation.
For those who cannot obtain certification — including deceased victims, foreign residents, those who do not fall into a VCF exposure category, and those who cannot access a WTCHP provider without significant hardship — the VCF's Private Physician Process provides a limited alternative path to condition verification for compensation purposes.
Five Categories of Covered Conditions
Cancers
The Malignancy Rule
Not every cancer diagnosis qualifies. The WTC Health Program applies the following framework:
Invasive Solid Neoplasms
Must have been diagnosed after September 11, 2001, meet minimum latency for that cancer type, and be characterized as malignant and invasive, meaning evidence of growth or spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it first developed.
Non-Invasive Neoplasms and Carcinomas In Situ
Evaluated case by case. Must meet latency and be regarded in peer-reviewed scientific literature as having increased risk of developing into an invasive neoplasm. NCCN treatment recommendations are considered.
Categorically Ineligible
Breast: lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), except pleomorphic LCIS which is evaluated case by case. Colon and rectum: carcinoma in situ. Gallbladder: carcinoma in situ. All non-invasive cervical neoplasms: CIN grades I, II, and III, and cervical carcinoma in situ.
Liquid Neoplasms (Blood Cancers)
Must have been diagnosed after September 11, 2001, meet minimum latency, and exhibit uncontrolled clonal growth of a specific type of hematopoietic cell.
Cancers of Unknown Primary Origin (CUPs)
Histologically proven metastatic malignant neoplasms where the primary site cannot be identified during pre-treatment evaluation are certifiable. Date of diagnosis of the metastatic disease is used for latency evaluation.
Pre-Existing Cancer Recurrence or Metastasis
Recurrence or metastasis of a cancer diagnosed before September 11, 2001 — or diagnosed after 9/11 with insufficient latency — is not certifiable. Second primary cancers are certifiable if diagnosed after 9/11 and meeting minimum latency, unless they originate from the same tissue or are of the same histological type as a certified or ineligible cancer (evaluated case by case using SEER rules). Histologically benign neoplasms are ineligible under any circumstance.
Minimum Latency
Minimum latency is the shortest time that could have passed between the initial date of your 9/11 exposure (your first day of presence at a covered site) and the date of first cancer diagnosis for that cancer to be certifiable. A cancer diagnosed before the applicable period cannot be certified. The table below shows the minimum latency for each category.
- Hodgkin lymphoma (all subtypes)
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (all subtypes, including follicular, diffuse, T-cell, and mycosis fungoides)
- Multiple myeloma and plasma cell neoplasms (including plasma cell leukemia and plasmacytoma)
- Lymphoid leukemias: ALL, CLL, hairy cell leukemia, prolymphocytic leukemia, adult T-cell leukemia
- Myeloid leukemias: AML, CML, myeloid sarcoma, acute promyelocytic leukemia, acute myelomonocytic leukemia
- Monocytic leukemias (acute and chronic)
- Other and unspecified leukemias
MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) is NOT eligible for certification. Diagnostic monitoring for MGUS may be covered when there are symptoms of a plasma cell neoplasm, but MGUS itself cannot be certified.
- Lip
- Tongue
- Salivary glands
- Floor of mouth
- Gum and other mouth
- Tonsil
- Oropharynx
- Hypopharynx
- Other oral cavity and pharynx
- Nasopharynx
- Nose, nasal cavity, middle ear, and accessory sinuses
- Larynx
- Esophagus
- Trachea
- Bronchus and lung
- Heart, mediastinum, and pleura
- Mesothelioma
- Other ill-defined sites in the respiratory system and intrathoracic organs
- Stomach
- Colon and rectum
- Liver and intrahepatic bile ducts
- Retroperitoneum, peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery
- Melanoma
- Non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Scrotal cancer is also covered under this category per 42 C.F.R. §88.15(d)(13).
- Malignant neoplasm of the female breast (invasive)
LCIS is not certifiable. DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is evaluated case by case under the non-invasive framework and may be certifiable depending on histopathological characterization and NCCN treatment guidelines.
- Malignant neoplasm of the male breast
Covered as a confirmed rare cancer. Not covered under the female breast cancer category.
- Endometrial adenocarcinoma
- Uterine carcinosarcoma
- Uterine leiomyosarcoma
- Endometrial stromal sarcoma
- Other malignant neoplasms of the corpus uteri and uterus (ICD-10: C54, C55)
Added effective January 18, 2023. Atypical endometrial hyperplasia (EIN) is also covered for treatment. Cervical cancer (C53) is NOT covered under this category — invasive cervical cancer is covered as a separate rare cancer.
- Malignant neoplasm of the ovary
- Malignant neoplasm of the prostate
- Kidney (except renal pelvis)
- Renal pelvis
- Ureter
- Urinary bladder
- Other and unspecified urinary organs
- Peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system
- Other connective and soft tissue
- Eye and orbit
- Thyroid gland
- Any cancer diagnosed in a person under 20 years of age
No restriction on cancer site or type. Subject to minimum latency.
- Anus and anal canal
- Bone and articular cartilage
- Gallbladder and biliary tract
- Small intestine
- Thymus
- Pancreas
- Penis and testis
- Placenta
- Meninges, brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and other CNS (including glioblastoma)
- Adrenal gland and other endocrine glands
- Vulva and vagina
- Invasive cervical cancer (invasive only; all non-invasive cervical conditions are categorically ineligible)
- Male breast
- Malignant neuroendocrine neoplasms, including carcinoid tumors
Any cancer occurring in fewer than 15 cases per 100,000 persons per year in the U.S. (based on 2005–2009 data) qualifies. The WTCHP determines whether a specific cancer meets the threshold. This list is confirmed but not exhaustive.
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms: polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, myelofibrosis
- Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms
- Myeloid malignancies associated with eosinophilia and abnormalities of growth factor receptors
Confirmed as rare cancers per the Administrator's 2014 Rare Cancers statement. This list is not exhaustive.
Aerodigestive and Respiratory Disorders
Conditions affecting the breathing airways or upper digestive tract. All eleven conditions below are covered under 42 C.F.R. §88.15(a). Maximum time intervals apply to most categories; interstitial lung diseases and COPD have no maximum time interval.
Source: 42 C.F.R. §88.15(a); WTCHP Time Intervals Policy (August 30, 2017); WTCHP Member Handbook 2025.
Includes asbestosis, granulomatosis, interstitial pneumonia, pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, pneumoconioses, and all other types (200+ disorders affecting alveolar tissue).
Co-occurring GERD: in combination with a separate primary WTC-related aerodigestive condition — 5 years. Isolated GERD: with no other diagnosed WTC-related aerodigestive condition — 1 year.
Covered only when exacerbated by or related to one or more primary WTC-related aerodigestive conditions above. Sleep apnea is not certified as a standalone condition.
Maximum Time Intervals — Summary
Measured from the last date of qualifying 9/11 exposure (last day of presence at a covered site during the WTCHP covered period) to the earliest onset of symptoms.
| Category | Conditions | Maximum Interval |
|---|---|---|
| COPD | WTC-exacerbated and new-onset COPD | None |
| Interstitial Lung Diseases | All types | None |
| Other Obstructive Airways | Asthma, chronic cough syndrome, chronic respiratory disorder, RADS | 5 years |
| Upper Respiratory | Chronic laryngitis, chronic nasopharyngitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, upper airways hyperreactivity | 5 years |
| Co-occurring GERD | GERD with another covered aerodigestive condition | 5 years |
| Isolated GERD | GERD with no other covered aerodigestive condition | 1 year |
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Caused by heavy lifting or repetitive strain on the joints or musculoskeletal system occurring during rescue or recovery efforts in the New York City disaster area from September 11, 2001 through July 31, 2002. Treatment must have been received on or before September 11, 2003. Does not apply to Pentagon or Shanksville responders, or to survivors of any site.
- Low back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
- Other musculoskeletal disorders
Both WTC Health Program treatment and VCF compensation are available if all eligibility criteria are met.
Acute Traumatic Injuries
Physical damage to the body caused by a one-time exposure to energy (heat, electricity, impact from crash or fall) resulting from a specific event or incident. The injury must be directly related to 9/11 exposures and must have occurred during the covered period for the relevant site.
New York City area sites
September 11, 2001 – July 31, 2002
Pentagon site
September 11, 2001 – November 19, 2001
Shanksville, PA site
September 11, 2001 – October 3, 2001
Treatment deadline (all sites): Treatment must have been received on or before September 11, 2003, regardless of site.
- Burn
- Complex sprain
- Eye injury
- Fracture
- Head trauma
- Tendon tear
- Other similar acute traumatic injuries
Both WTC Health Program treatment and VCF compensation are available if the treatment deadline is met and all other eligibility criteria are satisfied.
Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions do not qualify for VCF financial compensation under any circumstances, regardless of severity or relationship to a physical condition. WTC Health Program treatment is the only benefit available if certified.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Major depressive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Anxiety disorder (not otherwise specified)
- Depression (not otherwise specified)
- Acute stress disorder
- Dysthymic disorder
- Adjustment disorder
- Substance use disorder
Medically Associated Conditions
A health condition that results from the treatment or progression of a certified WTC-related health condition may also be covered. Common examples include conditions that develop as a side effect of cancer treatment. The condition does not need to appear on the covered conditions list. The connection must be supported in peer-reviewed scientific literature and documented by the WTC Health Program participating provider. Each case is reviewed individually by the Program.
Conditions Not on This List
In very limited circumstances, the VCF Special Master may compensate for a physical condition not on the presumptively covered list when the claimant presents extraordinary circumstances demonstrating 9/11 causation. This discretion is rarely exercised. Separately, the covered conditions list can be expanded through formal WTCHP petition and rulemaking when scientific evidence supports addition. Autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases are not covered but are currently being investigated through this process.
If a condition you or a family member has been diagnosed with appears on this list, the next question is whether your 9/11 exposure qualifies you for enrollment and certification. That question can be difficult to answer. A case review is where you get it.
Common Questions
It depends on the specific cancer. The general rule is that cancers must be invasive to qualify. However, non-invasive cancers are not categorically excluded. They are evaluated case by case and may be certifiable if regarded in peer-reviewed literature as having increased risk of becoming invasive and NCCN guidelines recommend treatment. Some types are categorically ineligible: lobular carcinoma in situ of the breast (except pleomorphic LCIS), carcinoma in situ of the colon/rectum and gallbladder, and all non-invasive cervical conditions including CIN grades I–III and cervical carcinoma in situ. DCIS of the breast is evaluated case by case and may be certifiable depending on histological characterization and NCCN treatment guidelines.
Minimum latency is the shortest amount of time that could have passed between the initial date of your 9/11 exposure (your first day of presence at a covered site) and the date of your first cancer diagnosis for that cancer to be certifiable. The VCF defines this as "the initial date of an individual's exposure." A cancer diagnosed before the applicable period cannot be certified regardless of other factors.
Maximum time interval is the maximum time that could have passed between your last qualifying 9/11 exposure date (the last day you were present at a covered site during the WTCHP covered period) and the first onset of symptoms of your aerodigestive disorder. If symptoms first appeared after the applicable interval, the condition cannot be certified. Isolated GERD has a one-year maximum. Most obstructive airways and upper respiratory conditions have a five-year maximum. Interstitial lung diseases and COPD have no maximum time interval. The interval is measured from your last qualifying exposure date, not your first.
No. The VCF only compensates for physical conditions. Mental health conditions qualify for WTC Health Program monitoring and treatment only. This applies to all ten mental health conditions regardless of severity or relationship to a physical condition.
Possibly, through two pathways. If your condition resulted from the treatment or progression of a certified WTC-related condition, it may qualify as a medically associated condition without appearing on the list. Separately, the WTCHP list can be expanded through formal petition and rulemaking when scientific evidence supports addition.
A medically associated condition is one that results from the treatment or progression of a certified WTC-related condition. It does not need to appear on the covered conditions list. For example, peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy for a certified cancer, or a secondary condition developing from the progression of a certified aerodigestive disorder. Coverage requires that the connection is supported in peer-reviewed scientific literature and documented by a WTC Health Program participating provider. Each case is reviewed individually.
June 2026 · Based on 42 C.F.R. §88.15 (updated March 25, 2026), WTCHP Administrative Manual, and VCF Policies & Procedures effective March 19, 2026
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