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What is The Iraq War Fund?
The Iraq War Fund, established under the Anti-Terrorism Act, works to provide compensation to service members, Veterans, and their family members, who were injured or disabled due to Iran’s involvement in the Iraq War.
It also covers victims harmed by foreign banks that illegally financed Iran’s terrorist activities.
Overview of Iranian Support for Terrorism
Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Iranian government has played a significant role in promoting terrorism both domestically and internationally.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard, a crucial segment of Iran’s armed forces, has been notably active in this area.
They have provided comprehensive support including training, missiles, fuel, and other logistical support to various terrorist groups.
This extensive involvement has had severe consequences, particularly for U.S. troops stationed abroad.
Regions Affected by Iran’s State-Sponsored Terrorism
Iran’s malign influence extends well beyond its borders, affecting multiple conflict zones across the Middle East and beyond:
• Iraq: IEDs and EFPs used in Iraq have been traced back to Iran, causing numerous casualties among U.S. troops.
• Afghanistan: Iranian support has bolstered the Taliban, directly impacting U.S. and coalition forces operating in the region.
• Syria: By supporting various militant groups, Iran has escalated conflicts and increased the risks faced by U.S. military personnel.
• Yemen: Iran’s financial and military support to the Houthi rebels has contributed to the destabilization of Yemen.
These activities are part of a deliberate strategy by Iran to target U.S. military interests, resulting in significant casualties and severe injuries among American service members and women.
Understanding The Iraq War Fund
Introduction to the Iraq War Fund
The Iraq War Fund, officially established by the 2016 Justice for United States Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Act, aims to provide financial compensation to service members, their families, and hostages who suffered due to any state-sponsored terrorism.
The fund is critical in addressing the needs of those affected by acts of terrorism in regions like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.
Iraq War Fund: Lawsuit Eligibility and Process
To pursue a lawsuit under the Iraq War Fund, it is crucial to establish a direct link between the misconduct of financial institutions and the injuries suffered. Many banks have been documented as channels for transferring funds to Iran, which in turn supplied terrorist devices to conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
To file a claim, you must demonstrate that the injury occurred between 2004 and the present and was directly caused by devices sponsored by Iran. Eligible devices include:
• Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
• Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs).
• Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs).
• Improvised Rocket-Assisted Munitions (IRAMs).
These devices, along with their components and operational instructions, were specifically imported into Afghanistan and Iraq with the intent to harm Americans, coalition forces, and local communities aiding the war efforts. In addition to injured Veterans, the children and spouses of Veterans who have died due to these devices are also entitled to pursue claims through the Iraq War Fund.
Types of Injuries Covered
The Iraq War Fund addresses a range of injuries, including:
• Shrapnel Injuries: Severe tissue and organ damage caused by metal fragments.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe brain damage necessitating long-term care.
• Amputations: Due to severe blast injuries, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
• PTSD: Addressing the mental health challenges resulting from exposure to terrorist acts.
These conditions often require prolonged medical treatment and can significantly impact a Veteran’s quality of life, underscoring the importance of the fund.
Banks Involved in Iraq War Veterans’ Anti-Terrorism Lawsuit
Several banks are currently involved as defendants in a legal case brought by Iraq War Veterans, which pertains to an anti-terrorism compensation fund. Some of these institutions have already faced guilty verdicts and hefty penalties for their roles in money laundering activities. It is anticipated that additional banks might also be implicated in future claims related to injuries from IEDs and EFPs among Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Banks linked to this ongoing lawsuit for the anti-terrorism fund include:
• Barclays, PLC.
• BNP Paribas A.B.
• Commerzbank.
• Credit Suisse Group AG.
• HSBC Holdings, PLC.
• Royal Bank of Scotland Group, PLC.
• Standard Chartered.
• Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Corporate Responsibility in Supporting Victims of Terrorism
In addition to financial institutions, numerous corporations have breached sanctions imposed on Iran and other nations known for sponsoring terrorism.
These violations have resulted in substantial civil penalties, which are directed into the Iraq War Fund.
This infusion of funds enhances the financial stability, ensuring there are adequate resources to compensate the many victims of terrorism.
Maintaining Transparency in Victim Compensation Funds
To maintain transparency and provide accountability, the Iraq War Fund publicly discloses a list of all contributing corporations and banks.
This list is available on the official website and is updated annually to reflect contributions made in each fiscal year.
This openness helps build trust and ensures that stakeholders are informed about the sources of financing.
Recent Developments and Future Disbursements
As of April 10th, 2023, the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund is set to distribute approximately $2.7 billion in upcoming payments. This allocation will benefit 5,361 individuals impacted by the September 11 attacks, along with certain spouses and children, elevating the total disbursed compensation to over $6 billion. Since its inception by Congress in 2015 and managed by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), the fund has expanded to support more than 15,500 claimants, encompassing victims from various international state-sponsored terrorist acts.
This substantial funding originates from both initial and supplementary Congressional appropriations, enhanced significantly by recoveries from Department of Justice prosecutions against entities engaged in unlawful transactions with state sponsors of terrorism. These recoveries include a series of forfeitures, penalties, and fines from more than 125 identified legal cases.
Furthermore, in a recent legislative action, Congress designated an additional $3 billion for future lump-sum compensations targeted at victims of specific historic terrorist incidents, including the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing. This directive was based on assessments from the Government Accountability Office, which aimed to ensure equitable compensation based on past distributions.
The fund remains open for applications and continues to accrue resources for future disbursements as mandated by its governing statutes. Comprehensive details about the fund’s operational procedures and how to apply for compensation are accessible on its official website, promoting transparency and accessibility for all interested parties.
Compensation Categories Under the Iraq War Fund
Comprehensive Compensation Coverage
The Iraq War Fund offers more than just lump-sum payments; it encompasses a broad spectrum of damages and losses that beneficiaries might have incurred.
Detailed Breakdown of Compensation Elements
• Medical Expenses: Eligible claimants can receive compensation for both past and anticipated future medical expenses. This includes costs associated with hospital stays, medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and any necessary specialized medical equipment.
• Loss of Income: Compensation may also cover lost wages, both past and projected future losses. This encompasses periods taken off for recovery and, in more severe instances, situations where the individual is unable to return to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Claimants may also be eligible for compensation for non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and general suffering. These are subjective and assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Loss of Consortium and Relationships: If your injuries have adversely affected your relationships with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium or companionship.
• Wrongful Death Claims: Families of deceased Veterans can file claims covering funeral and burial costs, lost inheritance rights, and other pertinent damages resulting from the loss of a loved one.
• Other Damages: Compensation might also extend to cover disfigurement, disability, and other financially quantifiable losses.
Understanding the full range of potential damages is essential for preparing to navigate the legal process and grasping the scope of what compensation under the Iraq War Fund might entail for you.
Navigating VA Disability Benefits with IED and EFP Claims
Claims made through the Iraq & Afghan War Fund are entirely distinct from VA disability benefits.
Filing a lawsuit related to an IED or EFP roadside bomb incident does not interfere with pre-existing VA disability claims you might have.
Therefore, if you are already receiving VA disability benefits, you can still pursue additional compensation through the Iraq & Afghan War Fund for injuries related to these specific devices.
Furthermore, if you sustained injuries in Iraq or Afghanistan, you might qualify for VA disability benefits.
Should you face challenges or denials in obtaining these benefits, we are equipped and ready to assist you in securing the support you deserve.
