DOWNWINDERS
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) covers physical presence within specific counties situated downwind from the Nevada Test Site in the states of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
A claimant must be able to provide evidence of physical presence in the listed Downwinder areas for a minimum of 2 years within the interval of time beginning on January 21, 1951, and ending on October 31, 1958, or for the entire period beginning on June 30, 1962, and ending on July 31, 1962. An eligible claimant must also submit proof of a diagnosis of a specified compensable disease.
In the State of Arizona, the specified counties are Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Yavapai, and the area of Arizona that is north of the Grand Canyon.
In the State of Nevada, the specified counties are Eureka, Lander, Lincoln, Nye, White Pine, and the section of Clark County that encompasses townships 13 through 16 at ranges 63 through 71.
In the State of Utah, the specified counties are Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, Washington, and Wayne.
Congress set forth the following diseases as compensable for Downwinders.
[A compensable cancer must be the primary diagnosis to the organ listed and meet the statutory requirements for onset.]
Compensable Diseases for Downwinders |
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Lukemia (Not chronic lymphocytic leukemia) |
Multiple Myeloma |
Lymphomas (Other than Hodgkin's disease) |
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Primary cancers of the: |
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Thyroid |
Male or Female Breast |
Esophagus |
Stomach |
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Pharynx |
Small intestine |
Pancreas |
Bile ducts |
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Gall bladder |
Salivary gland |
Urinary bladder |
Brain |
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Colon |
Ovary |
Liver |
Lung |
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[* Primary cancers of the liver are excluded if Cirrhosis or Hepatitis B is indicated in the diagnosis]
If you or a loved one had lived in a covered area during the time period listed above and was diagnosed with one of the listed compensable diseases, you may be eligible for compensation. For a free claim evaluation, please call our office at (520) 244-3600 or complete the online contact form on this page.
Spouses, children, or grandchildren are considered eligible survivors and can make a claim on behalf of a deceased family member who meets the criteria under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).