Thursday, April 18, 2002 | 10 a.m.
A National Nuclear Security Administration official handling claims for former Nevada Test Site workers and their families said he has no idea how many new claims will result from changes to work-related illness compensation.
Congress approved legislation in October 2000 that compensated nuclear workers for their illnesses.
When the act went into effect on July 31, it had been amended to allow benefits for children of workers who died after contracting work-related illnesses from exposure to radiation, beryllium or silica.
Eligible survivors receive a lump sum payment of $150,000 per family. The benefit is $50,000 for survivors of uranium workers.
More than 1,000 former Test Site workers or their families have applied for benefits since July, said Bob Agonia, the director of the Las Vegas Resource Center, set up to help smooth the application process.
"I have no idea how many more the amendment will affect," Agonia said. "Thousands of employees worked out there. I wouldn't be able to guess."
At the height of nuclear weapons testing, the Test Site employed 10,000 workers. The Test Site conducted 928 nuclear weapons experiments above and below ground from 1951 until 1992.
In addition to changing those eligible for payments, the amendment also added a leukemia and easier standards for those with silicosis. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health is also studying residual radiation and beryllium to see if they cause or contribute to cancer in covered employees.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to file a claim, call the center at (702) 697-0841 or toll-free at (866) 697-0841.
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