Articles · Denials

Denied years ago? The rules may have changed in your favor.

EEOICPA is not static. The Department of Labor and NIOSH keep adding covered conditions and new Special Exposure Cohorts — groups of workers who qualify more easily. A claim that failed in 2010 can succeed today because the program moved.

Reviewed by Alara’s Director of Nursing, RN · July 2026

Why claims get denied — and why none of it is final.

  • Employment could not be verified — records can be strengthened and resubmitted.
  • The medical link was not documented — a physician statement can establish it now.
  • The condition was not covered yet — the list keeps growing.
  • Filed under the wrong part — a Part B denial does not decide Part E, or the reverse.

Your options, matched to where the claim is.

  1. Recommended denial (not final): file objections and request a hearing or review — generally within 60 days.
  2. Final decision: request reconsideration within a short window.
  3. Anytime: reopen with new medical evidence, verified employment, a newly covered condition, or a new Special Exposure Cohort that covers your worksite and years.

The full route table, with windows: Denied before? What to do next →

You never pay anyone a percentage of an award to reopen a claim. The DOL’s Las Vegas Resource Center, (702) 697-0841, helps free.

Common questions.

How do I find out if a new cohort covers me?

Ask the Resource Center to check your worksite and years against the current Special Exposure Cohort classes — they can tell you exactly where your claim stands.

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, DEEOIC · NIOSH, Special Exposure Cohorts. Confirm your deadlines with the Resource Center.

Not sure where your claim stands?

Start a case review. A nurse tells you whether your White Card can be opened, then points you to the free help to file.

Start a case review Or call (702) 814-9630
Alara helps you understand and reach benefits you may already be entitled to. It does not replace the Department of Labor, your Resource Center, your physician, or any federal agency. Nothing here is legal advice or a coverage or eligibility determination.