DEEOIC for Department of Energy Workers: What You Need to Know

If you worked at a Department of Energy facility, a DOE contractor or subcontractor, or certain uranium sites, you may qualify for compensation and lifetime medical benefits under EEOICPA — the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. The program is administered by DEEOIC and covers a wide range of cancers and chronic illnesses.

What is EEOICPA?

EEOICPA was signed into law in 2000 to provide compensation to workers who developed serious illnesses as a result of occupational exposure to radiation, beryllium, silica, or other toxic substances at DOE and related facilities. The Department of Labor administers the program through its Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC).

The law has two parts:

• Part B — Covers radiation-induced cancer, chronic beryllium disease, beryllium sensitivity, and chronic silicosis. Provides a lump-sum payment ($150,000 typical) plus medical benefits.
• Part E — Covers illnesses caused by exposure to any toxic substance at DOE sites (not limited to radiation or beryllium). Provides variable compensation based on impairment and wage loss, plus medical benefits.

Who qualifies for DEEOIC benefits

The core eligible groups:

• Current and former DOE federal employees.
• DOE contractor and subcontractor employees.
• Atomic weapons employer (AWE) employees — workers at private facilities that processed nuclear material for DOE.
• Uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters covered under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).
• Eligible survivors (spouse, children, parents) of deceased covered workers.

Covered illnesses

Part B automatically covers 22 types of cancer if exposure is established (the Special Exposure Cohort list makes certain cohorts — including some Nevada Test Site workers — presumptively eligible for these cancers). Part E covers any illness DOL determines was at least as likely as not caused by toxic exposure at a covered facility — a much broader standard.

Common Part E illnesses include chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, heavy-metal neuropathy, and many others.

How to file a DEEOIC claim

1. Complete DOL Form EE-1 (if you're the worker) or EE-2 (if you're a survivor).
2. Gather employment verification — pay stubs, W-2s, personnel records, badge records, or sworn statements from co-workers.
3. Gather medical evidence — biopsy reports, imaging, physician letters confirming diagnosis.
4. Submit the claim through the DEEOIC Resource Center (there are 11 Resource Centers nationally; most claims can be submitted by mail or through a Resource Center specialist).
5. Respond promptly to DEEOIC requests for additional evidence. Delays can significantly slow the claim.

Medical benefits under DEEOIC

Approved DEEOIC claimants receive lifetime medical benefits for their covered condition, including specialist visits, hospitalizations, prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and home health care when medically necessary. Medical benefits are separate from the lump-sum or impairment compensation — they continue regardless of whether you work or receive other benefits.

DEEOIC uses a medical benefits identification card system. Once you're approved, you receive a card you show to covered providers. Approved providers bill DEEOIC directly — you pay nothing out of pocket for covered care.

How NuThera supports DEEOIC patients

NuThera is an OWCP/DEEOIC-enrolled medical practice. For DEEOIC-approved patients, we handle routine primary care, chronic disease management, and injury care under your covered condition. We also provide the clinical documentation your DEEOIC claim may need for impairment ratings under Part E or medical benefit authorizations.