Energy Employees Occupational Illness 

Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA)

U.S Department of Labor

Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs

Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation 

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/energy

How is my EEOICPA claim for RECA Section 5 processed? 

I have filed a EEOICPA claim under Part B, Part E or both. I am also a RECA Section 5 

uranium worker (or a survivor of a RECA Section 5 uranium worker). What happens next? 

The Department of Labor’s Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation 

(DEEOIC) administers the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act 

(EEOICPA) which provides compensation and medical benefits to atomic weapons industry workers 

and Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Section 5 workers who became ill as a result of 

working in the nuclear weapons industry. Survivors of qualified workers may also be entitled to 

benefits. The EEOICPA has two parts, Parts B and E. Both Parts B and E have unique criteria for 

establishing positive claims. 

To adjudicate claims under the EEOICPA, DEEOIC staff must assemble a case file containing evidence 

that shows your eligibility for compensation and benefits. Our claims examiners (CEs) will work with 

you to obtain the necessary evidence and will also assist in obtaining certain evidence from other 

sources including the Department of Justice (DOJ). Once all the evidence is collected and analyzed, the 

CE will issue a Recommended Decision to accept or deny your claim. You have appeal rights if you 

disagree with the Recommended Decision. 

What is the Claims Process? After a claim is filed, the resource center may contact you to 

complete an Occupational History Questionnaire (OHQ), during which the Resource Center (RC) 

staff obtains information pertaining to your covered employment. Once the OHQ is completed, the 

RC forwards the information to your assigned CE at the district office. All RECA Section 5 claims are 

adjudicated by DEEOIC’s Denver District Office. During the adjudication process, the CE may 

request documentation such as employment, medical, or other evidence. Any questions you may 

have can be referred to the RC, or to your CE, throughout the process. 

What are the eligibility requirements for a RECA Section 5 claim under Part B of the 

EEOICPA? RECA Section 5 workers and their survivors must have received a $100,000 award 

under RECA Section 5 administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in order to qualify for 

benefits under Part B of the EEOICPA. Your CE will contact DOJ on your behalf for information 

regarding the status of your RECA claim. 

What benefits will I receive if my RECA Section 5 claim is accepted under Part B of the 

EEOICPA? 

 A $50,000 supplemental lump sum award (if awarded $100,000 from DOJ), and

 Medical benefits for accepted conditions. (Conditions accepted under RECA Section 5 are

also accepted under Part B)

For information regarding Part E benefits, please view the brochure titled, “How is my EEOICPA claim 

processed” at the following website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/energy/regs/compliance/brochure/brochures