How is DOL going to determine if it is “at least as likely as not” that exposure to a toxic substance was a significant factor in the development of a covered illness?
A – DOL is going to obtain the opinion of qualified medical specialists with expertise in treating, diagnosing or researching the illness claimed. Additional information will also be collected on the types and levels of toxic substances that existed at DOE and RECA section 5 facilities. This information will be analyzed by appropriate specialists to determine if a particular level of toxic substance exposure is considered a significant factor in the development of certain illness types. DOL will utilize the same dose reconstruction probability of causation analysis utilized in Part B to determine whether to cover a cancer alleged to have resulted from exposure to radiation.
