US Department of Labor announces updates for former nuclear weapons workers seeking benefits related to toxic beryllium exposure

Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor has updated the procedure for determining the eligibility of nuclear weapons workers for benefits related to beryllium exposure under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act (EEOICPA). The update, which implements the Beryllium Testing Fairness Act, allows formerly ineligible workers to receive medical care for diseases caused by beryllium exposure. Under the new procedure, workers can establish "beryllium sensitivity"" by submitting three ""borderline"" test results taken over a three-year period. This change may allow additional workers to qualify for medical benefits and brings the total compensation and medical benefits provided by EEOICPA to over $22 billion.