The main difference between EEOICPA Part B and Part E is what each part covers. Part B provides benefits for specific occupational illnesses associated with radiation, beryllium, or silica exposure, while Part E covers a broader range of occupational illnesses linked to toxic-substance exposure during covered DOE employment. A person may qualify for both Parts B and E when the worker and illness meet the eligibility requirements of both programs.
Part B = specific covered illnesses + specific types of exposure.
Part E = broader occupational illnesses + toxic exposure + a demonstrated connection between the exposure and illness.
Each part has different eligibility rules, approved illnesses, and types of compensation.
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Part B |
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Part E |
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Part B provides compensation and medical benefits to certain current or former workers (or eligible survivors) whose covered occupational illness resulted from exposure to radiation, beryllium, or silica during employment at a covered DOE facility.
Current or former DOE employees
DOE contractor or subcontractor employees
Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) employees
Certain uranium workers employed under the AEC between 1942–1990
$150,000 lump-sum, tax-free compensation to eligible workers (or eligible survivors).
Up to $250,000 additional compensation based on Impairment Ratings conducted following approval.
Free home healthcare for approved illnesses including coverage for related medical expenses such as visits, prescriptions, treatment, and travel for care.
Part B focuses on illnesses strongly associated with radiation, beryllium or silica exposure.
Radiogenic cancer
Chronic beryllium disease (CBD)
Beryllium sensitivity
Silicosis (for certain uranium workers)
Part E provides compensation and medical benefits to certain DOE contractors and subcontractor employees (or eligible survivors) who developed an occupational illness that was at least as likely as not caused, contributed to, or aggravated by toxic-substance exposure during covered employment.
DOE contractor and subcontractor employees who worked at covered DOE facilities and developed illness due to toxic exposure (not limited to radiation).
Impairment compensation based on the degree of permanent impairment. The stated schedule is $2,500 per 1% impairment, up to $250,000.
Wage-loss compensation may apply when the illness caused missed work or early retirement.
Free home healthcare for approved conditions and related care.
Survivor benefits if the worker died from an exposure-related illness, eligible survivors may receive up to $125,000, with possible additional amounts tied to wage-loss factors (as described).
Eligibility commonly depends on medical and work records supporting a likely connection between workplace exposure and the illness. Illnesses include:
Radiation and chemicals/solvents/acids/metals
Asbestos-related conditions
Lung/respiratory disease (e.g., COPD, pulmonary fibrosis)
Kidney and liver disease
Heart disease (including from solvent exposure, as described)
Certain cancers
Neurological disorders
Chemical poisoning and systemic illnesses
Yes, a person can qualify for benefits under both EEOICPA Part B and Part E.
Part B and Part E can provide different types of benefits for the same covered condition, but it’s important to note that Part B approval does not automatically make a person eligible for Part E. The worker must also meet Part E’s separate employment and eligibility requirements.
Example: If a covered worker has a condition accepted under Part B, that acceptance can establish the exposure and causation requirements for that same condition under Part E. If those requirements are met, the worker may receive applicable Part E benefits, such as compensation for qualifying impairment or wage loss, in addition to Part B benefits.
Official sources
Yes, and as of September 2026, over $33 billion has been paid in total settlements and medical bills paid.
Official source
U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP) — EEOICPA Program Statistics
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A: The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) is a federal program that provides compensation and medical benefits to nuclear weapons workers — or their survivors — who became ill due to their work.
A: Part B focuses on illnesses directly linked to radiation exposure, such as certain cancers, chronic beryllium disease (CBD), beryllium sensitivity, and silicosis (for qualifying uranium workers). It provides a $150,000 tax-free lump-sum payment plus medical benefits. Uranium workers who previously received RECA compensation may be eligible for an additional $50,000.
A: Part E covers a broader range of illnesses caused by toxic exposures on the job — including chemicals, metals, acids, and solvents, in addition to radiation. It provides up to $250,000 tax-free, based on the worker's degree of impairment and/or wage loss, plus medical benefits.
A: Yes. Workers may be eligible for benefits under both parts if they have qualifying illnesses and employment history that meet the criteria for each.
A: Both parts cover DOE employees, contractors, and subcontractors at covered facilities. Part B also extends to Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) employees and certain uranium workers (miners, millers, ore transporters) who worked under the Atomic Energy Commission between 1942 and 1990.
A: Part E compensation is impairment-based — workers receive $2,500 per 1% of impairment, up to a maximum of $250,000. Additional compensation may be available for documented wage loss caused by the illness.
A: Yes. Both parts offer survivor benefits. Part E generally has broader eligibility, including spouses, children under 18 (or up to 23 if a full-time student), and dependents with disabilities.