2025 RECA Expansion

2025 RECA Expansion:

New Amendment for Manhattan Project Waste Exposure Claims

A groundbreaking amendment to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was enacted in 2025, dramatically expanding eligibility and compensation options for individuals exposed to radioactive waste linked to the Manhattan Project. This new provision—Section 5A, Claims Relating to Manhattan Project Waste—offers much-needed relief to individuals and families suffering from radiation-induced diseases due to residence, work, or schooling in designated ZIP codes across Missouri, Tennessee, Alaska, and Kentucky.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for compensation under the new amendment, a claimant must:

Show that they lived, worked, or attended school for at least two years in one of the affected ZIP codes after January 1, 1949;
Have developed a “specified disease”—a medically recognized cancer or illness linked to radiation exposure—after that period of physical presence;
Submit valid documentation to prove both residency and diagnosis;
File the claim personally or through an authorized representative if the individual is deceased or incapacitated.

The law defines “affected areas” specifically by ZIP code, including regions around St. Louis County, MO; Oak Ridge, TN; remote sites in Alaska; and areas near Paducah, KY.

Qualifying Illnesses

Leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia, with onset restrictions),

Multiple myeloma, lymphomas, and numerous primary cancers (thyroid, lung, colon, bladder, breast, brain, renal, liver, ovary, etc.),

Other cancers that appear at least two years after exposure.

This medically-supported list aligns with radiation-related pathologies recognized by experts.

Compensation Benefits

Claimants may be eligible for the following:

Living Individuals

A base payment of $50,000, or more depending on eligible expenses;
Additional reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket medical costs not covered by insurance or government programs.

Deceased Individuals

$25,000 to surviving spouses, or
If no spouse, $25,000 divided equally among surviving children.

All claims must include valid documentation, including contemporaneous medical records and proof of residence, work, or school attendance in an affected ZIP code during the qualifying period.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Navigating RECA’s expanded provisions can be daunting. Claimants must meet detailed evidentiary requirements and submit comprehensive documentation to the U.S. Department of Justice. At our law firm, we specialize in radiation exposure claims and understand the legal, medical, and historical context necessary to maximize your compensation.

We assist clients at every step of the process:

Determining eligibility;
Gathering and organizing qualifying records;
Drafting and submitting claims;
Representing clients in appeals, if necessary.

Start Your Claim Today

If you or a loved one lived, worked, or attended school in one of the affected ZIP codes and later developed a qualifying disease, you may be entitled to compensation under this vital new amendment. Our experienced legal team is ready to help ensure your rights are protected and your claim is handled with diligence and care.