Diagnostic Essentials: Physical Health Conditions
G
V
C
F
UIDANCE TO THE
ICTIM
OMPENSATION
UND
W
T
C
H
P
FROM THE
ORLD
RADE
ENTER
EALTH
ROGRAM
First Issued: 18 December 2013
Subsequently revised: April 2 2014, September 24, 2014, October 3, 2014, October 6, 2014,
March 1, 2015, March 28, 2015, & May 19, 2015
Please note that the relevant policies pertaining to the medical professional
determination on behalf of a claimant to the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) may be
found on the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) website at
The relevant policies include:
Policy and Procedures to Certification of Physician Determination for Aerodigestive and Cancer
Health Conditions
Time Intervals for New Onset Aerodigestive Disorders
Rare cancers
Minimum Latency & Types or Categories of Cancer
Making a Determination about Exposure Aggravating Pre-Existing Aerodigestive Disorders
Health Conditions Medically Associated with WTC-Related Health Conditions.
In general, the diagnosis of a health condition depends on a combination of medical
history, physical examination, various types of diagnostic testing, including radiographic
and other types of imaging, spirometry, and various laboratory and pathologic analyses.
The WTCHP has recommended that diagnostic information listed in this document be
utilized by the VCF to substantiate the diagnosis of claimed health conditions.
For each category of health conditions, a star superscript (*) is listed next to the types of
information considered essential to support the medical professional determination of
the underlying condition. In some categories, the clinician has a choice of which type of
essential information is available in the medical record. Other clinical information that is
not listed with a star superscript (*) may support a diagnosis of a health condition. The
VCF will then have a licensed medical professional make a determination regarding the
health conditions and attest to the linkage of the conditions to the individual’s 9/11
exposures. The determination is then submitted for a verification decision by the
WTCHP in accordance with the policies and procedures of the WTCHP. The VCF renders
the final decision regarding condition eligibility and subsequent consideration for
compensation.
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