[date] FILE NUMBER:

NAME OF EMPLOYEE:

[District Office NIOSH POC]

Dear Mr./Ms.:

Our records indicate that the above referenced case file underwent a dose reconstruction and resulted in a less than 50% probability of causation (POC).

I have reviewed OCAS-PER-012, “Evaluation of Highly Insoluble Plutonium Compounds” issued on August 7, 2007 and I am inquiring on the applicability of the changes to the above referenced case file. The Program Evaluation Report (PER) notes that due to the increased doses assigned to workers exposed to Type Super S plutonium, previously completed claims that were assigned plutonium doses at sites where this material is potentially available for exposure need to be reexamined to determined the effect (if any) on the dose assessment.

The DEEOIC is obligated to ensure that the application of the dose reconstruction methodology is administered in a fair and consistent manner. Given the revision to the underlying scientific assumptions by which the dose reconstruction was performed by NIOSH as outlined in OCAS-PER-012, the prior dose reconstruction and resulting POC for the case may be invalid. As such, the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC) requests that NIOSH:

  • provide DEEOIC with a determination on whether the dose reconstruction is impacted by OCAS-PER-012 and requires a new dose reconstruction, and
  • notify the claimant and the DEEOIC of NIOSH’s determination.

Once this information is received the DEEOIC can make a determination as to whether the case file should be reopened and returned to NIOSH for a new dose reconstruction in accordance with OCAS-PER-012.

Due to the advanced age of our claimant population, this action needs to be addressed and appropriately documented in a timely manner. DOL intends to document NIOSH’s determination by placing a formal document from NIOSH in the case file.

Thank your for your assistance in this matter. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the district office at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.

Sincerely,

Claims Examiner