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Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for a printable PDF version of the full set of FAQs.

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Recently Updated
  • 243.
    What is the deadline to submit an Attorneys’ lien?
  • 276.
    Will my Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award be issued to my lawyer or directly to me?
  • 335.
    Who is eligible for Automatic Retrospective Rescoring under the Norming Agreement?
  • 340.
    What happened if my prior testing was not eligible for Automatic Retrospective Rescoring?
  • 349.
    If I am eligible to get my previous neuropsychological testing rescored at my own expense as described in FAQs 346 to 348 and choose to do so, what do I need to submit with my new Settlement Claim?
  • 341.
    Who is eligible for an Expanded BAP Examination under the Norming Agreement?
  • 223.
    What is a Response Memorandum and when is it due?
  • 282.
    If I am entitled to a payment of 4% of my Award that was previously withheld for the Common Benefit Fund, what do I need to do to receive that payment?
  • 269.
    How will the withheld funds be paid after the final decision on an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 254.
    Do I have to try to reach an agreement with the Settlement Class Member over the disputed Attorney’s’ Lien?
  • 260.
    What if I need more time to submit my Statement of Dispute or Response Memorandum?
  • 261.
    Will there be a hearing on the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 262.
    How will I find out if the Special Master grants a hearing on the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute? 
  • 263.
    Can I withdraw a Dispute from the Attorneys' Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 264.
    How do I withdraw a Dispute from the Attorneys' Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 265.
    How will I know when the Special Master has issued a Report and Recommendation? 
  • 266.
    Can I object to the Special Master's Report and Recommendation?
  • 267.
    Who makes the final decision resolving the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 249.
    What is a Dispute over an Attorneys’ Lien?
  • 250.
    Where can I get a copy of the Rules that apply to the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 251.
    How does a Dispute over an Attorney’s’ Lien get into the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 252.
    Who are the Parties in an Attorneys’ Lien Dispute?
  • 239.
    How does a lienholder notify the Settlement Program of an Attorney's' Lien or an Other Lien?
  • 256.
    What do I need to submit in the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 257.
    What is a Statement of Dispute and when is it due?
  • 259.
    What is a Response Memorandum and when is it due?
  • 258.
    What information must be included in my Statement of Dispute?
  • 242.
    What information is required to assert an Attorney’s’ Lien?
  • 253.
    Who resolves an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 247.
    What happens if a Settlement Class Member disputes an Attorney’s’ Lien?
  • 268.
    Can I appeal the final decision on an Attorneys’ Lien Dispute?

  • 255.
    How do I submit documents in the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 278.
    What is the fee cap?
  • 279.
    What are claims service providers and are they covered by the fee cap?
  • 280.
    What does the Claims Administrator do with the 1% Common Benefit Fund Holdback?
  • 271.
    I received a Notice of Monetary Award Claim Determination or Notice of Derivative Claimant Award Determination. Do I need to do anything else to receive payment of the award?
  • 234.
    How and when is a Lien paid?
  • 200.
    How do I know if there is a Lien against me?
  • 233.
    How will the withheld funds be paid after the final decision on an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 229.
    How will I know when the Special Master has issued a Report and Recommendation?
  • 230.
    Can I object to the Special Master's Report and Recommendation?
  • 231.
    Who makes the final decision resolving an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 227.
    Can I withdraw a Dispute from the Attorneys' Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 228.
    How do I withdraw a Dispute from the Attorneys' Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 224.
    What if I need more time to submit my Statement of Dispute or Response Memorandum?
  • 225.
    Will there be a hearing on the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 222.
    What information must be included in my Statement of Dispute?
  • 221.
    What is a Statement of Dispute and when is it due?
  • 219.
    How do I submit documents in the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 218.
    Do I have to try to reach an agreement with the attorney who asserted a Lien against my Award?
  • 216.
    Who are the Parties in an Attorneys’ Lien Dispute?
  • 215.
    How does a Dispute over an Attorney’s’ Lien get into the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 214.
    Where can I get a copy of the Rules that apply to the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 213.
    What is a Dispute over an Attorneys’ Lien?
  • 129.
    How is my diagnosis reviewed? When and to what does the “generally consistent” standard apply?
  • 119.
    What must the medical records show for Death with CTE?
  • 108.
    What must the medical records show for Level 1.5 and Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment diagnoses made in the BAP by Qualified BAP Providers?
  • 101.
    Which diagnostic criteria must a physician use when making my Qualifying Diagnosis? When and to what diagnoses does the “generally consistent” criteria apply?
  • 281.
    Am I entitled to a payment of 4% of my Award that was previously withheld for the Common Benefit Fund?
  • 195.
    What is an Attorneys' Lien?
  • 220.
    What do I need to submit in the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 202.
    How do I respond to the notice of Lien from the Settlement Program?
  • 212.
    What happens if I dispute a Lien?
  • 226.
    How will I find out if the Special Master grants a hearing on the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute and when will the hearing be scheduled?
  • 217.
    Who resolves an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 232.
    Can I appeal the final decision on an Attorneys’ Lien Dispute?
  • 188.
    What are Common Benefit Fees and how will Class Counsel be paid?
  • 147.
    If I am eligible for a Monetary Award, how much money will I receive?
  • 130.
    What is the AAP and what does it do?
  • 120.
    What must the medical records show for ALS?
  • 128.
    Who reviews my claim for a Monetary Award?
  • 106.
    What does it mean for medical records to “reflect” my Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 114.
    Are raw scores and/or raw data required for all Monetary Award claims?
  • 115.
    What must the medical records show for Alzheimer’s Disease?
  • 117.
    What must the medical records show for Parkinson’s Disease?
  • 83.
    What kind of physicians are currently authorized to make a Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 84.
    Who is a Qualified MAF Physician?
  • 98.
    Does it matter when the Retired NFL Football Player was diagnosed?
  • 99.
    What dates matter for when the Qualifying Diagnosis is made?
  • 100.
    How is the date of a Qualifying Diagnosis determined?
  • 62.
    What kind of diagnosis can I get from a BAP exam?
  • 5.
    Who are the Special Masters?
  • 18.
    Are there any tools on the Settlement Website to help me understand the Settlement Agreement and how to make a claim?
  • 69.
    How long will I have to use my BAP Supplemental Benefits?
Basic Information
  • 1.
    What is the Settlement about?
  • 2.
    What are the benefits of the Settlement?
  • 3.
    Who is included in the Settlement Class?
  • 4.
    Who are the settlement administrators?
  • 5.
    Who are the Special Masters?
  • 6.
    What if I do not like how the settlement administrators or Special Masters are administering the Settlement Agreement?
  • 7.
    Do the settlement administrators report to Class Counsel or the NFL Parties?
  • 8.
    Does the Claims Administrator share the contents of my Claim Package with Class Counsel or the NFL Parties?
  • 9.
    Does the Claims Administrator share the contents of my Claim Package with any other people or entities?
  • 10.
    How do I authorize the Claims Administrator to speak to someone else about my claim?
  • 11.
    When was the Effective Date? What is it?
  • 12.
    How does the Claims Administrator calculate the number of days I have to respond to a notice or take other actions in the Settlement Program?
  • 13.
    If I have to respond to the Claims Administrator by a deadline, what is considered the date of my response or submission?
  • 14.
    If I opted out of the Settlement, can I still get benefits from this Settlement?
  • 15.
    If I am a Settlement Class Member who did not opt out of the Settlement, can I sue the NFL Parties for the same thing later?
  • 16.
    Can I still opt out of the Settlement?
  • 17.
    What if I do not like the terms of the Settlement Agreement?
  • 18.
    Are there any tools on the Settlement Website to help me understand the Settlement Agreement and how to make a claim?
  • 19.
    Where can I find the Special Master’s or the Court’s published decisions on appeals or statute of limitations matters?
  • 20.
    How do I get more information about the Settlement?
  • 21.
    How do I report potential fraud to the Claims Administrator?
  • 22.
    What if my situation or circumstances are not covered by these FAQs?
Settlement Agreement Benefits - General Information
  • 23.
    Must a Retired NFL Football Player be vested under the NFL Retirement Plan to receive Settlement benefits?
  • 24.
    Are the Settlement benefits connected to any NFL or NFLPA-related benefits programs?
  • 25.
    If I receive benefits under an NFL disability plan (such as the 88 Plan), Social Security, or any other disability plan, do I automatically qualify for a Monetary Award in the Settlement Program?
  • 26.
    Does this Settlement prevent Retired NFL Football Players from bringing workers’ compensation claims?
  • 27.
    What types of education programs are supported by the Settlement?
  • 28.
    If the science about the Qualifying Diagnoses changes, will the Settlement Program change the definitions or testing protocols for them?
Registration
  • 29.
    May I still register in the Settlement as a Retired NFL Football Player?
  • 30.
    May I still register in the Settlement as a Representative Claimant?
  • 31.
    May I still register in the Settlement as a Derivative Claimant?
  • 32.
    What if I disagree with the Claims Administrator’s initial determination on my registration?
  • 33.
    What if I disagree with the Claims Administrator’s decision about my registration determination challenge?
  • 34.
    Are there any rules covering registration determinations and appeals?
  • 35.
    How can I send registration information to the Claims Administrator?
  • 36.
    Does registering mean I filed a claim?
  • 37.
    How do I change my mailing address?
  • 38.
    How do I change my name or Social Security Number (or other Taxpayer Identification Number) that I have given the Program?
  • 39.
    Do I have to provide my Social Security Number to participate in the Settlement Program?
  • 40.
    How does the Claims Administrator calculate a Retired NFL Football Player’s Eligible Seasons?
  • 41.
    Where does the Claims Administrator get information about a Retired NFL Football Player’s Eligible Seasons?
  • 42.
    I received a Notice of Incomplete Registration saying I am missing proof of playing NFL Football. What are the next steps?
Baseline Assessment Program
  • 43.
    What is the Baseline Assessment Program (“BAP”)?
  • 44.
    Who can participate in the BAP?
  • 45.
    Why should I have a BAP exam?
  • 46.
    How many doctors will I see in a BAP exam?
  • 47.
    Who pays for these BAP exams?
  • 48.
    Who can be a Qualified BAP Provider?
  • 49.
    Can I choose my own doctors for the BAP exam?
  • 50.
    Do the Qualified BAP Providers report to the NFL?
  • 51.
    Is there a deadline for taking the BAP exam?
  • 52.
    How long will the Baseline Assessment Program be available?
  • 53.
    How do I access the BAP Portal?
  • 54.
    How can I schedule a BAP exam?
  • 55.
    Where do I go for my BAP exam?
  • 56.
    How long does a BAP exam take?
  • 57.
    Is it possible to schedule both parts of the BAP exam on the same day?
  • 58.
    Can BAP appointments be rescheduled or cancelled?
  • 59.
    What happens if I miss a BAP appointment?
  • 60.
    What do I need to prepare for my BAP appointment?
  • 61.
    Should I bring someone with me to my BAP appointment?
  • 62.
    What kind of diagnosis can I get from a BAP exam?
  • 63.
    What about conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, or Alzheimer’s Disease?
  • 64.
    Does there have to be a diagnosis? What if I am OK?
  • 65.
    What happens after a BAP exam?
  • 66.
    What should I do if my BAP exam results in a diagnosis?
  • 67.
    Will my Monetary Award be affected if I do not have a BAP exam?
  • 68.
    What are BAP Supplemental Benefits?
  • 69.
    How long will I have to use my BAP Supplemental Benefits?
  • 70.
    How much will my BAP Supplemental Benefits cover? Is there a limit?
  • 71.
    Will any medical or pharmacy records from BAP Supplemental Benefits be available to the NFL?
  • 72.
    What is a Qualified BAP Pharmacy Vendor?
  • 73.
    I received a “Baseline Assessment Program HIPAA Authorization Form.” What do I do with it?
Monetary Awards
  • 74.
    Who can submit a claim for a Monetary Award?
  • 75.
    What is a Claim Package?
  • 76.
    How do I submit a Claim Package?
  • 77.
    Where do I send my Claim Package if I do not use an online Portal?
  • 78.
    When can I submit a Claim Package?
  • 79.
    Is there a deadline to submit my Claim Package?
  • 80.
    How can I change answers I made in my Claim Form?
  • 81.
    What is a Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 82.
    Should I get a BAP exam or see a Qualified MAF Physician?
  • 83.
    What kind of physicians are currently authorized to make a Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 84.
    Who is a Qualified MAF Physician?
  • 85.
    Who helps with the operation and implementation of the network of Qualified MAF Physicians?
  • 86.
    What is the MAF Steering Committee?
  • 87.
    How do I get evaluated for a Qualifying Diagnosis if I do not already have one?
  • 88.
    Is there any limit on which Qualified MAF Physician I may choose to examine me?
  • 89.
    If my diagnosing physician is both a Qualified BAP Provider and a Qualified MAF Physician, how do I know if the diagnosis is made in or outside the BAP?
  • 90.
    Does the physician who makes the Qualifying Diagnosis of a Retired NFL Football Player have to see and examine that Player in person?
  • 91.
    If a Retired NFL Football Player shares past medical records with a Qualified MAF Physician, is that physician permitted to ask the Player to submit additional records?
  • 92.
    May Qualified MAF Physicians rely on records from providers who were disqualified or terminated because their medical practices and/or reasoning did not comply with the Settlement Program's specific requirements and criteria?  
  • 93.
    Do I need to tell the Qualified MAF Physician about my work and other activities?
  • 94.
    What kinds of communications may I have with the Qualified MAF Physician?
  • 95.
    Is there any limit on which neuropsychologist the Qualified MAF Physician may refer me to for neuropsychological testing?
  • 96.
    Can the representative of a deceased Retired NFL Football Player submit a claim now?
  • 97.
    What should I do if I already have a Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 98.
    Does it matter when the Retired NFL Football Player was diagnosed?
  • 99.
    What dates matter for when the Qualifying Diagnosis is made?
  • 100.
    How is the date of a Qualifying Diagnosis determined?
  • 101.
    Which diagnostic criteria must a physician use when making my Qualifying Diagnosis? When and to what diagnoses does the “generally consistent” criteria apply?
  • 102.
    What does “generally consistent” mean?
  • 103.
    What makes a Claim Package complete?
  • 104.
    What can I submit to prove that I have more Eligible Seasons than what the Claims Administrator found for me when I registered?
  • 105.
    What counts as a medical record?
  • 106.
    What does it mean for medical records to “reflect” my Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 107.
    What does it mean for medical records to “support” my Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 108.
    What must the medical records show for Level 1.5 and Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment diagnoses made in the BAP by Qualified BAP Providers?
  • 109.
    What must the medical records show for Level 1.5 and Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment diagnoses made outside the BAP for living Retired NFL Football Players?
  • 110.
    Are Qualified MAF Physicians required to follow the strict BAP criteria when making a diagnosis of Level 1.5 or Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment?
  • 111.
    How are diagnosing physicians to apply the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale to Level 1.5 and Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment Qualifying Diagnoses?
  • 112.
    What must be included in a sworn statement corroborating a Retired NFL Football Player’s functional impairment for a Level 1.5 or Level 2 claim?
  • 113.
    How is the SWS-3 (Third-Party Sworn Statement: Functional Impairment) different from the Employment History and Social and Community Activity of Retired NFL Football Player Forms?
  • 114.
    Are raw scores and/or raw data required for all Monetary Award claims?
  • 115.
    What must the medical records show for Alzheimer’s Disease?
  • 116.
    Is a biomarker test (such as an amyloid PET, spinal fluid test) enough to establish my Qualifying Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease?
  • 117.
    What must the medical records show for Parkinson’s Disease?
  • 118.
    Are auxiliary tests, including biomarker tests, enough to establish my Qualifying Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease?
  • 119.
    What must the medical records show for Death with CTE?
  • 120.
    What must the medical records show for ALS?
  • 121.
    What if I cannot get medical records or a Diagnosing Physician Certification Form from the diagnosing physician?
  • 122.
    If I cannot get medical records or a Diagnosing Physician Certification Form from the diagnosing physician, is there anything specific I should submit to show my attempts to get such documents?
  • 123.
    What exceptions are allowed under Section 8.2(a) of the Settlement Agreement for Representative Claimants of deceased Retired NFL Football Players?
  • 124.
    What is the SWS-2?
  • 125.
    What exceptions are allowed under Section 8.2(a) of the Settlement Agreement for living Retired NFL Football Players or Representative Claimants of legally incapacitated or incompetent Players?
  • 126.
    Are there other instances not listed in Section 8.2 of the Settlement Agreement where the medical records or Diagnosing Physician Certification Form requirement may be excused?
  • 127.
    What happens after the Claims Administrator grants an exception under Section 8.2(a) or the parties to the Settlement Agreement grant an exception for a situation not covered by Section 8.2(a)?
  • 128.
    Who reviews my claim for a Monetary Award?
  • 129.
    How is my diagnosis reviewed? When and to what does the “generally consistent” standard apply?
  • 130.
    What is the AAP and what does it do?
  • 131.
    What is the AAP Leadership Council?
  • 132.
    What is the AAPC and what does it do?
  • 133.
    I received a Qualifying Diagnosis through the BAP. Do I have to do anything else to receive a Monetary Award?
  • 134.
    I received a Qualifying Diagnosis from a Qualified MAF Physician. Do I have to do anything else to receive a Monetary Award?
  • 135.
    If I received a Qualifying Diagnosis from a Qualified MAF Physician, what types of records will the physician send to the Claims Administrator?
  • 136.
    What happens after I submit my Claim Package?
  • 137.
    Can I receive a Monetary Award for more than one Qualifying Diagnosis on the same claim?
  • 138.
    I received a Notice of Preliminary Review. What does that mean?
  • 139.
    I received a Notice of Request for Additional Documents. What does that mean?
  • 140.
    What happens after I respond to my notice asking for more information for my claim?
  • 141.
    What happens if I never respond to the Notice of Preliminary Review or the Notice of Request for Additional Documents?
  • 142.
    May I get more time to respond to a notice from the Settlement Program?
  • 143.
    Does the Claims Administrator question the medical judgment of the physician who made the Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 144.
    I have provided my claim to the Claims Administrator and it is now complete enough to send to the AAP. What happens next?
  • 145.
    How can I check the status of my Claim Package review?
  • 146.
    How long could it take to review my Claim Package from start to finish?
  • 147.
    If I am eligible for a Monetary Award, how much money will I receive?
  • 148.
    What is a Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury in this Settlement Program?
  • 149.
    Can I be found eligible for a Monetary Award based on a Qualifying Diagnosis that is different than the one I claimed?
  • 150.
    What can I do if I do not like my Claim Package determination (eligible or denied)?
  • 151.
    Can I withdraw my claim?
  • 152.
    Can the Claims Administrator change the outcome of my claim after I receive a notice?
  • 153.
    Can I submit a new claim for a Monetary Award if the Claims Administrator has denied my claim?
  • 154.
    If I received a Monetary Award for one Qualifying Diagnosis, can I later receive a Monetary Award for a different Qualifying Diagnosis? What is a Supplemental Monetary Award?
  • 155.
    Can Class Counsel or the NFL appeal my Claim Package determination?
  • 156.
    Are there any rules covering determinations that a Monetary Award claim is or is not barred by the statute of limitations under applicable state law?
Representative Claimants
  • 157.
    Who is a Representative Claimant?
  • 158.
    How do I become a Representative Claimant?
  • 159.
    How will the Claims Administrator determine whether my court order or other official document is sufficient proof that I can be a Retired NFL Football Player’s Representative Claimant?
  • 160.
    How will the Claims Administrator determine whether my Power of Attorney (POA) is sufficient proof that I can be a legally incapacitated or incompetent Retired Player’s Representative Claimant?
  • 161.
    Can a Retired NFL Football Player have more than one Representative Claimant?
  • 162.
    What happens if more than one person registers as a Representative Claimant for the same Retired NFL Football Player?
  • 163.
    Can I be a Retired NFL Football Player’s Derivative Claimant if I am his Representative Claimant?
  • 164.
    Do Representative Claimants have to register for benefits?
  • 165.
    What happens if a registered Retired NFL Football Player or Representative Claimant becomes legally incompetent or incapacitated or dies after registering?
  • 166.
    If I am a Representative Claimant, do I have to submit a Claim Package?
Derivative Claimants
  • 167.
    Who is a Derivative Claimant?
  • 168.
    Can a Retired NFL Football Player have more than one Derivative Claimant?
  • 169.
    May someone be a Derivative Claimant of more than one Retired NFL Football Player?
  • 170.
    Can a deceased person be a Derivative Claimant?
  • 171.
    Can I register as a Retired NFL Football Player’s Derivative Claimant if I also registered as a Representative Claimant?
  • 172.
    Do Derivative Claimants have to register for benefits?
  • 173.
    What happens if no one registers as a Derivative Claimant for a Retired NFL Football Player?
  • 174.
    How do I submit a Derivative Claim Package?
  • 175.
    Where do I send my Derivative Claim Package if I do not use an online Portal?
  • 176.
    Is there a deadline to submit my Derivative Claim Package?
  • 177.
    What happens after I submit my Derivative Claim Package?
  • 178.
    What makes a Derivative Claim Package complete?
  • 179.
    How will the Retired NFL Football Player know if someone has registered as a Derivative Claimant?
  • 180.
    How will I know if other Derivative Claimants have registered for the same Retired NFL Football Player?
  • 181.
    How will I know if the Retired NFL Football Player challenged my Derivative Claimant status?
  • 182.
    What happens if one Derivative Claimant does not want to share the 1% Derivative Claimant Award equally with another Derivative Claimant?
  • 183.
    What law does the Claims Administrator use to analyze Derivative Claimant issues?
  • 184.
    Are there any rules covering appeals of Derivative Claimant challenge determinations?
Lawyers
  • 185.
    Who is Class Counsel?
  • 186.
    Do I need a lawyer to represent me individually in this Program?
  • 187.
    How did a lawyer register me?
  • 188.
    What are Common Benefit Fees and how will Class Counsel be paid?
  • 189.
    How will my individual lawyer be paid?
  • 190.
    Can I terminate my relationship with my individual lawyer?
  • 191.
    How do I tell the Claims Administrator I have a new lawyer or that I do not have a lawyer?
Liens - Information for Settlement Class Members
  • 192.
    What is a Lien?
  • 193.
    What Liens will the Claims Administrator pay out of my Award?
  • 194.
    What is a Medical Lien?
  • 195.
    What is an Attorneys' Lien?
  • 196.
    What are the kinds of Other Liens recognized in the Settlement Program?
  • 197.
    Are there any debts that the Claims Administrator will not pay?
  • 198.
    Do Medical Liens have to be resolved out of my Award?
  • 199.
    What could happen if I do not resolve my Medical Liens?
  • 200.
    How do I know if there is a Lien against me?
  • 201.
    What if I identify a Lien on my Claim Form?
  • 202.
    How do I respond to the notice of Lien from the Settlement Program?
  • 203.
    I received a notice from my healthcare insurer saying that it may have a Lien against me. What should I do?
  • 204.
    Should I contact a lienholder to speed up the Medical Lien resolution process?
  • 205.
    I have medical coverage through Medicare. What should I do?
  • 206.
    What about Medicare Part C and Part D Liens?
  • 207.
    I have medical coverage through Medicaid. What should I do?
  • 208.
    I (or my spouse) served in the military, so I have medical coverage through TRICARE or the Department of Veterans Affairs. What should I do?
  • 209.
    I have medical coverage through the Department of Indian Health Services. What should I do?
  • 210.
    What agreements and with which agencies has the Lien Resolution Administrator been able to secure on behalf of Settlement Class Members?
  • 211.
    I have a private medical insurance plan. Can they claim a Lien on my Award?
  • 212.
    What happens if I dispute a Lien?
  • 213.
    What is a Dispute over an Attorneys’ Lien?
  • 214.
    Where can I get a copy of the Rules that apply to the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 215.
    How does a Dispute over an Attorney’s’ Lien get into the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 216.
    Who are the Parties in an Attorneys’ Lien Dispute?
  • 217.
    Who resolves an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 218.
    Do I have to try to reach an agreement with the attorney who asserted a Lien against my Award?
  • 219.
    How do I submit documents in the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 220.
    What do I need to submit in the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 221.
    What is a Statement of Dispute and when is it due?
  • 222.
    What information must be included in my Statement of Dispute?
  • 223.
    What is a Response Memorandum and when is it due?
  • 224.
    What if I need more time to submit my Statement of Dispute or Response Memorandum?
  • 225.
    Will there be a hearing on the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 226.
    How will I find out if the Special Master grants a hearing on the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute and when will the hearing be scheduled?
  • 227.
    Can I withdraw a Dispute from the Attorneys' Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 228.
    How do I withdraw a Dispute from the Attorneys' Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 229.
    How will I know when the Special Master has issued a Report and Recommendation?
  • 230.
    Can I object to the Special Master's Report and Recommendation?
  • 231.
    Who makes the final decision resolving an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 232.
    Can I appeal the final decision on an Attorneys’ Lien Dispute?
  • 233.
    How will the withheld funds be paid after the final decision on an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 234.
    How and when is a Lien paid?
  • 235.
    What happens if more than one Lien exists against a single Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award and there is not enough money to pay all of the Liens in full?
  • 236.
    Will I be notified when the Claims Administrator pays a Lien?
  • 237.
    Whom do I contact with questions about Liens?
Liens - Information for Lienholders
  • 238.
    How does a lienholder notify the Settlement Program of a Medical Lien?
  • 239.
    How does a lienholder notify the Settlement Program of an Attorney's' Lien or an Other Lien?
  • 240.
    What information must a government health insurer provide to assert a Medical Lien?
  • 241.
    What information is required from a private healthcare insurer to assert an alleged Lien?
  • 242.
    What information is required to assert an Attorney’s’ Lien?
  • 243.
    What is the deadline to submit an Attorneys’ lien?
  • 244.
    What information is required to assert an Other Lien?
  • 245.
    What happens after I submit the required information and documents for a valid Lien?
  • 246.
    What happens if a Settlement Class Member disputes a Medical Lien?
  • 247.
    What happens if a Settlement Class Member disputes an Attorney’s’ Lien?
  • 248.
    What happens if a Settlement Class Member disputes an Other Lien?
  • 249.
    What is a Dispute over an Attorneys’ Lien?
  • 250.
    Where can I get a copy of the Rules that apply to the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 251.
    How does a Dispute over an Attorney’s’ Lien get into the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 252.
    Who are the Parties in an Attorneys’ Lien Dispute?
  • 253.
    Who resolves an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 254.
    Do I have to try to reach an agreement with the Settlement Class Member over the disputed Attorney’s’ Lien?
  • 255.
    How do I submit documents in the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 256.
    What do I need to submit in the Attorneys’ Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 257.
    What is a Statement of Dispute and when is it due?
  • 258.
    What information must be included in my Statement of Dispute?
  • 259.
    What is a Response Memorandum and when is it due?
  • 260.
    What if I need more time to submit my Statement of Dispute or Response Memorandum?
  • 261.
    Will there be a hearing on the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 262.
    How will I find out if the Special Master grants a hearing on the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute? 
  • 263.
    Can I withdraw a Dispute from the Attorneys' Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 264.
    How do I withdraw a Dispute from the Attorneys' Liens dispute resolution process?
  • 265.
    How will I know when the Special Master has issued a Report and Recommendation? 
  • 266.
    Can I object to the Special Master's Report and Recommendation?
  • 267.
    Who makes the final decision resolving the Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 268.
    Can I appeal the final decision on an Attorneys’ Lien Dispute?

  • 269.
    How will the withheld funds be paid after the final decision on an Attorney’s’ Lien Dispute?
  • 270.
    Whom do I contact with questions about Liens?
Payments
  • 271.
    I received a Notice of Monetary Award Claim Determination or Notice of Derivative Claimant Award Determination. Do I need to do anything else to receive payment of the award?
  • 272.
    When will I receive payment for my Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award?
  • 273.
    Who will issue the payment to me?
  • 274.
    How will the funds be issued by Citibank?
  • 275.
    If I want to appeal only part of my Monetary Award amount, can I get paid for the rest before my appeal is final?
  • 276.
    Will my Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award be issued to my lawyer or directly to me?
  • 277.
    Can a Settlement Class Member assign rights to receive his or her Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award, or a portion of the Award, to a third party?
  • 278.
    What is the fee cap?
  • 279.
    What are claims service providers and are they covered by the fee cap?
  • 280.
    What does the Claims Administrator do with the 1% Common Benefit Fund Holdback?
  • 281.
    Am I entitled to a payment of 4% of my Award that was previously withheld for the Common Benefit Fund?
  • 282.
    If I am entitled to a payment of 4% of my Award that was previously withheld for the Common Benefit Fund, what do I need to do to receive that payment?
Audit
  • 283.
    What is an audit?
  • 284.
    How does an audit affect the regular processing of my claim?
  • 285.
    Why did I receive a Notice of Audit of Claim?
  • 286.
    I received a Notice of Audit of Claim after I received a Notice of Monetary Award Claim Determination or a Notice of Denial of Monetary Award Claim. How does the audit affect my claim?
  • 287.
    Are there any rules covering the audit of claims?
  • 288.
    Who is the Special Investigator?
  • 289.
    Why did I receive a Notice of Referral to Special Investigator?
Bankruptcy
  • 290.
    Why does the Settlement Program need to know whether I filed bankruptcy?
  • 291.
    How does the Settlement Program identify a Bankruptcy Issue Claimant?
  • 292.
    How does a current or prior bankruptcy case affect my Monetary Award Claim?
  • 293.
    What is the Bankruptcy Review process?
  • 294.
    Which Bankruptcy Issue Claimants must provide Bankruptcy Documents?
  • 295.
    What Bankruptcy Documents are required?
  • 296.
    I received a Notice of Bankruptcy Question Delaying Payment. What does this mean?
  • 297.
    My Bankruptcy Case is closed. Why am I required to provide Bankruptcy Documents?
  • 298.
    I received a Bankruptcy Trustee Notice. What does this mean?
  • 299.
    My bankruptcy proceeding is closed, and I cannot provide the required Bankruptcy Documents. What can I do?
  • 300.
    I received a Bankruptcy Trustee Communication Notice. What does this mean?
  • 301.
    My Bankruptcy Trustee signed the Bankruptcy Trustee Release of Information form. Am I still required to provide Bankruptcy Documents?
Appeals
  • 302.
    Are there any rules covering appeals of claim determinations?
  • 303.
    Can I appeal the Claims Administrator’s determination of any amounts deducted from my Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award for Liens?
  • 304.
    Who are the appellant and the appellee on an appeal of a claim?
  • 305.
    Why was my claim remanded to the Claims Administrator?
  • 306.
    If my claim is remanded from an appeal to the Claims Administrator, what happens to the $1,000 Appeals Fee I paid? 
  • 307.
    May the NFL Parties offer medical or other new evidence on appeal?
  • 308.
    If a party offers new evidence in a brief on appeal, how does that affect the due date for the responding party’s brief? How will I know whether there will be a remand or whether I need to address the new evidence in what I file?
  • 309.
    If new evidence added on appeal leads to remand to the Claims Administrator, can a party offer new evidence in every appeal to force a remand and re-review, either to get another chance at payment or denial, or to delay things?
  • 310.
    Will the Court review a decision by a Special Master allowing or excluding new evidence on a claim appeal?
  • 311.
    How will remands of claims on appeal work?
  • 312.
    Can a claim be appealed again after the Special Master remands it and the Claims Administrator issues a new notice?
External Evidence
  • 313.
    What is External Evidence?
  • 314.
    Why does the Claims Administrator receive External Evidence?
  • 315.
    What happens after the Claims Administrator receives or finds External Evidence?
  • 316.
    Is the External Evidence available to Class Counsel and the NFL Parties?
  • 317.
    I received a Notice of External Evidence. What should I do?
Special Master Appeal Decisions
  • 318.
    How much deference does the Claims Administrator give to the Diagnosing Physician's determination that neuropsychological testing is medically unnecessary?
  • 319.
    How should a Qualified MAF Physician apply the Generally Consistent standard when making a Qualifying Diagnosis? How will the Claims Administrator confirm that a Qualifying Diagnosis is Generally Consistent with the Settlement criteria?
  • 320.
    Can new evidence or records, not considered by my physician, that show behavior or activity occurring before my Qualifying Diagnosis result in a Denial of my Claim?
  • 321.
    Can new evidence or records, not considered by my physician, that show behavior or activity occurring after my Qualifying Diagnosis result in a Denial of my Claim?
  • 322.
    Does my evaluating physician need to address my medication side-effects or other conditions that may affect cognitive or functional impairment when deciding whether I have a Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 323.
    If my performance on validity test measures is determined to invalidate my neuropsychological testing, can that testing support a Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 324.
    When will the Claims Administrator apply the Stroke offset?
  • 325.
    Can one diagnosis be used as proof that a Player had a different Qualifying Diagnosis?
  • 326.
    What are the Slick criteria and how is the Slick criteria analysis performed?
  • 327.
    Do the Claims Administrator and/or the AAP defer to the clinician’s judgment when reviewing the Slick criteria?
  • 328.
    Is the diagnosing physician required to interview a knowledgeable informant as part of the CDR evaluation?
  • 329.
    Is driving generally consistent with the required CDR scores for Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment?
Norming Agreement
  • 330.
    What are Black Race Norms and Black Race Demographic Estimates?
  • 331.
    What is the Norming Agreement?
  • 332.
    What is the New Method?
  • 333.
    What modifications were made to the Settlement Program's neuropsychological testing protocol?
  • 334.
    What happens next if I think my prior Settlement Claim(s) or neuropsychological test results may have been adversely affected by the consideration of race?
  • 335.
    Who is eligible for Automatic Retrospective Rescoring under the Norming Agreement?
  • 336.
    Are any Settlement Class Members excluded from Automatic Retrospective Rescoring under the Norming Agreement?
  • 337.
    Who determined whether prior testing qualified for Automatic Retrospective Rescoring?
  • 338.
    Who conducted the Automatic Retrospective Rescoring?
  • 339.
    Was I notified as to whether my prior test results qualified for Automatic Retrospective Rescoring?
  • 340.
    What happened if my prior testing was not eligible for Automatic Retrospective Rescoring?
  • 341.
    Who is eligible for an Expanded BAP Examination under the Norming Agreement?
  • 342.
    Are any Retired NFL Football Players excluded from eligibility for an Expanded BAP Examination under the Norming Agreement?
  • 343.
    Who determines eligibility for the Expanded BAP Examination?
  • 344.
    Is there a deadline for requesting an Expanded BAP Examination?
  • 345.
    Will I be notified of my Expanded BAP Examination results?
  • 346.
    Can I get my tests rescored without going through an Expanded BAP Examination?
  • 347.
    Is there a deadline to get my tests rescored without going through the Expanded BAP Examinations?
  • 348.
    Who is not eligible to submit new Settlement Claims based on rescored prior testing?
  • 349.
    If I am eligible to get my previous neuropsychological testing rescored at my own expense as described in FAQs 346 to 348 and choose to do so, what do I need to submit with my new Settlement Claim?
Most Frequently Viewed Questions
What is a Qualifying Diagnosis? What is the Settlement about? Can BAP appointments be rescheduled or cancelled? I received a Notice of Monetary Award Claim Determination or Notice of Derivative Claimant Award Determination. Do I need to do anything else to receive payment of the award? When will I receive payment for my Monetary Award or Derivative Claimant Award? What is the Baseline Assessment Program (“BAP”)? Do I have to provide my Social Security Number to participate in the Settlement Program? What are the benefits of the Settlement? What should I do if my BAP exam results in a diagnosis? If I am eligible for a Monetary Award, how much money will I receive?
 

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