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, Utah, New Mexico, and Idaho.
In the State of Arizona, the specified counties are Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Yavapai, Mohave, 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, all the counties are now eligible.
In the State of Idaho, all the counties are now eligible.
In the State of New Mexico, all the counties are now eligible.
Presence Requirements:
New Mexico ONLY:
A claimant must prove presence of at least 1 years during the period beginning on September 24, 1944, and ending on November 6, 1962.
All Other Areas:
A claimant must be able to provide evidence of physical presence in the listed Downwinder areas for at least 1 year within the interval of time beginning on January 21, 1951, and ending November 6, 1962. An eligible claimant must also submit proof of a diagnosis of a specified compensable disease.
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
Leukemia
(Not Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)
Multiple Myeloma
Lymphomas
(Other than Hodgkin's Disease)
Primary cancers of the:
Thyroid
Pharynx
Gall Bladder
Colon
Male or Female Breast
Small Intestine
Salivary Gland
Ovary
Esophagus
Pancreas
Urinary Bladder
Liver
Stomach
Bile Ducts
Brain
Lung
[* Primary cancers of the liver are excluded if Cirrhosis or Hepatitis B is indicated in the diagnosis]
If you or a loved one lived in a covered area during the time periods 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).