Resources & Guides
Everything you need to know about the RECA claims process. Download our guides and checklists to help prepare your claim.
How to Gather Medical Records
A step-by-step guide to requesting and organizing the medical documentation you need for your RECA claim.
Understanding the RECA Program
Learn about the history of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and how the program works.
Required Documentation Checklist
A comprehensive checklist of all documents you may need to support your RECA claim.
Timeline Expectations
What to expect during the RECA claims process, from initial filing to receiving your compensation.
How to Gather Medical Records
Medical records are essential to your RECA claim. They provide proof of your cancer diagnosis and help establish the type of cancer you have. Here's how to gather them:
Step 1: Identify Your Healthcare Providers
Make a list of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics that treated your cancer. Include:
- The physician who first diagnosed your cancer
- Oncologists and cancer treatment centers
- Surgeons who performed any procedures
- Laboratories that conducted pathology tests
Step 2: Request Your Records
Contact each provider's medical records department. You may need to:
- Fill out a medical records release form
- Provide valid identification
- Pay a small copying fee (often waived for patients)
Step 3: Focus on Key Documents
The most important documents for your RECA claim include:
- Pathology Reports: These confirm your cancer type
- Operative Reports: If you had surgery
- Discharge Summaries: Hospital stay records
- Treatment Records: Chemotherapy, radiation, etc.
Required Documentation Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you have all the documents needed for your RECA claim.
Proof of Identity
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Social Security card or number
- Birth certificate (if filing for a deceased relative)
Proof of Residence
- Utility bills from the affected area during qualifying period
- Tax returns showing address
- School records or transcripts
- Employment records
- Census records
- Church or community organization records
- Affidavits from people who knew you lived there
Medical Documentation
- Pathology report confirming cancer diagnosis
- Medical records from diagnosing physician
- Hospital records and discharge summaries
- Treatment records (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery)
- Death certificate (if filing for deceased relative)
Need Help Gathering Documents?
We can help you track down the documentation you need for your RECA claim. Our team has experience obtaining records even from decades ago.