Iraq and Afghanistan War Fund™
Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ Claims for Veterans, Service Members, Contractors, and Families
From 2004 to the present day, thousands of American service members, civilian contractors, and their families endured the devastating impact of violent attacks in Iraq. Roadside bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rocket fire, and coordinated assaults left lasting physical and emotional scars. Many of these attacks were funded and supported by Iranian-backed groups, aided by international banks that helped move illicit money into the hands of terrorists.
Today, victims of these attacks – and the surviving families of those who paid the ultimate price – may be eligible for financial compensation through the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™, administered under the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST).
At the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C., we are proud to stand alongside veterans, service members, contractors, and families in pursuing the justice they deserve. By working with our co-counsel to file claims under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), we help hold the banks and entities that unlawfully facilitated terrorist financing accountable.
If you or your loved one was injured or killed in Iraq during 2004 to the present day, you may qualify for significant compensation. Our legal team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Steven Gacovino Today!
Iraq Afghanistan War Fund™
"(Required)" indicates required fields
The Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ and the USVSST
A Pathway to Compensation
The U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSST) was created by Congress to provide financial compensation to U.S. nationals harmed by state-sponsored acts of terrorism. Recognizing the extraordinary toll of the Iraq War, the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ was established to ensure that American victims of Iranian-backed violence from 2004 to the present day receive a portion of these resources.
This fund is not a lawsuit against the U.S. government. Instead, it is a legally structured program that distributes settlement proceeds from Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) lawsuits against international banks that enabled Iran to fund terrorist operations in Iraq. By joining with other victims and their families, claimants can pursue justice and much-needed financial support.
Why the Fund Exists
During the Iraq War, evidence showed that Iran and its proxies funneled resources to extremist groups responsible for lethal and debilitating attacks. Banks that ignored anti-terrorism safeguards helped make this possible. The ATA holds those banks legally accountable, and settlements from these cases now flow into the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ for eligible victims.
Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?
One of the most critical questions for potential claimants is who qualifies under the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™. At the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C., we carefully assess your eligibility to ensure no opportunity for compensation is missed.
Eligible Groups Include:
- Active Duty U.S. Service Members Injured during combat or terrorist actions between 2004–present in Iraq or Afghanistan
- Veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan War Those who sustained lasting physical injuries or psychological trauma during their deployment.
- Civilian Contractors and Aid Workers Contractors who were targeted in attacks due to their service alongside U.S. forces.
- Surviving Families and Dependents Spouses, children, and dependents of service members or contractors killed in Iraq or Afghanistan during the eligible period.
Types of Qualifying Injuries
The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars left behind a wide range of devastating injuries. Claimants may qualify if they experienced:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Amputations or severe burns from IED blasts
- Shrapnel wounds and permanent scarring
- PTSD and long-term psychological harm
- Loss of mobility or chronic pain
- Fatalities suffered by loved ones in eligible attacks
If your injury or loss occurred in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2004 and present day due to Iranian-funded combat or terrorist activity, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Why Banks Are Being Held Liable
The Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ is directly tied to accountability under the Anti-Terrorism Act. This law allows U.S. citizens to seek damages against entities that knowingly provided financial support to terrorists.
The Banks’ Role
- International banks unlawfully processed billions of dollars for Iranian entities.
- These transactions were used to arm and fund groups such as Hezbollah and other militias active in Iraq.
- The attacks carried out with this funding resulted in catastrophic losses for American service members and contractors.
By pursuing ATA litigation, our alliance of law firms is working to ensure that these financial institutions pay for their role in enabling terrorism.
Compensation Through the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™
Compensation is distributed on a pro rata basis, meaning payouts depend on the number of approved claims and available funds. While individual awards vary, they may provide substantial financial relief for:
- Medical bills and long-term care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life
- Funeral expenses and survivor support for families
Previous rounds of USVSST payouts have delivered hundreds of millions of dollars to terrorism victims. With strong legal representation, claimants maximize their chances of receiving the compensation they deserve.
Want a Free Confidential Consultation?
The Claim Process: Step by Step
At the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C., we simplify the process so victims and families can focus on healing.
- Eligibility Review – We conduct a free evaluation of your service records, injury history, or loss circumstances. Simply complete the form above to get started.
- Documentation Gathering – Collect medical records, deployment details, proof of dependency for survivors, and other required evidence.
- Claim Preparation – Our attorneys prepare and submit your claim to ensure it meets every requirement of the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™.
- Filing Under the ATA – We coordinate with the broader alliance of law firms pursuing ATA litigation against banks.
- Processing and Review – The fund administrators review claims; we provide updates and additional documentation as needed.
- Payout Distribution – Approved claims are paid directly from the USVSST through the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™.
Act Now: Don’t Miss Your Opportunity
The Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ has strict filing deadlines and eligibility rules. Missing a deadline could mean forfeiting your right to compensation.
If you or your family member served, contracted, or lost their life in Iraq during 2004 to the present day due to Iranian-backed violence, now is the time to act.
Contact the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C. today for a free case evaluation. Our dedicated legal team will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C.?
Decades of Advocacy
Our firm has a long history of representing victims in complex litigation, mass torts, and terrorism-related compensation programs. We understand the intricate requirements of the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ and work tirelessly to present the strongest possible case for each client.
Part of a National Alliance
We collaborate with an alliance of respected law firms nationwide, pooling knowledge and resources to maximize results under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
No Upfront Fees
To learn if you qualify, simply complete the form above. The Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C. is here to stand with you and your family.
Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ & USVSST Claim FAQ’s
1. What is the USVSST Fund?
The U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, or USVSST Fund, is a federal compensation program created by Congress to pay U.S. nationals harmed by state-sponsored terrorism. It is funded through settlements and forfeitures from lawsuits against banks and entities that illegally financed terrorist organizations, not by taxpayer dollars, and distributes payments to eligible victims and surviving family members on a pro rata basis.
2. What is the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™?
The Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ is a legal program that channels settlement proceeds from Anti-Terrorism Act lawsuits against international banks into compensation for American service members, contractors, and families harmed by Iranian-backed attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2004 to the present. It is administered in connection with the USVSST Fund and is not a lawsuit against the United States government.
3. Who is eligible to file an Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ claim?
Eligible claimants generally include active duty service members, veterans, civilian contractors, and aid workers injured in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2004 and the present due to Iranian-backed combat or terrorist activity, as well as surviving spouses, children, and dependents of those killed in eligible attacks. An attorney can confirm eligibility based on deployment records, injury documentation, and the circumstances of the incident.
4. What types of injuries qualify for compensation under the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™?
Qualifying injuries typically include traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns from IED blasts, shrapnel wounds, permanent scarring, PTSD, and other long-term psychological harm, as well as chronic pain and loss of mobility. Families of service members or contractors killed in eligible attacks may also qualify for wrongful death compensation.
5. Can family members of a service member killed in Iraq or Afghanistan file a claim?
Yes. Surviving spouses, children, and other dependents of service members, veterans, or contractors killed in an eligible Iranian-backed attack in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2004 and the present may file a claim on behalf of their loved one’s estate, potentially recovering compensation for loss of financial support, funeral expenses, and survivor support.
6. Why are international banks being sued over Iraq and Afghanistan war injuries?
Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, U.S. nationals harmed by terrorism can pursue civil claims against entities that knowingly facilitated terrorist financing. Several international banks are accused of processing billions of dollars in transactions that funneled money to Iranian proxies and militias responsible for IED attacks, rocket fire, and coordinated assaults against American forces and contractors in Iraq.
7. Is the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ the same as suing the U.S. government?
No. The Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ is not a lawsuit against the United States government and does not involve suing the military. It is a separate program built on settlement proceeds recovered from private banks and financial institutions held liable under the Anti-Terrorism Act for enabling terrorist financing.
8. How much compensation can Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ claimants receive?
Compensation is distributed on a pro rata basis, meaning individual payouts depend on the number of approved claims and the total funds available at the time of distribution, so awards vary from case to case. Prior rounds of USVSST payouts have collectively delivered hundreds of millions of dollars to terrorism victims, and funds may cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and survivor support.
9. Is there a deadline to file a claim under the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™?
Yes. The Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ and related USVSST claims are subject to strict filing deadlines and eligibility windows, and missing a deadline can permanently forfeit a claimant’s right to compensation. Because deadlines can vary based on individual circumstances, veterans, service members, contractors, and families should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to confirm their filing window.
10. What evidence do I need to file an Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ claim?
Claimants generally need military or contractor service records, deployment details confirming presence in Iraq or Afghanistan during the eligible period, medical records documenting the injury or cause of death, and proof of dependency for surviving family members. An attorney can help gather and organize this documentation as part of the claim preparation process.
11. Do I need a lawyer to file a USVSST or Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ claim?
While there is no legal requirement to hire an attorney, these claims involve complex eligibility rules, coordination with Anti-Terrorism Act litigation against multiple financial institutions, and strict documentation requirements. Working with an experienced firm helps ensure a claim is properly prepared, filed on time, and positioned to maximize the compensation a claimant is entitled to receive.
12. What is the Anti-Terrorism Act and how does it relate to my claim?
The Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) is a federal law that allows U.S. nationals injured by international terrorism to pursue civil damages against those who knowingly provided material support to terrorist organizations, including financial institutions. Settlements from ATA lawsuits against banks accused of processing funds for Iranian-backed groups are a primary funding source for Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ payouts.
13. Can civilian contractors injured in Iraq or Afghanistan file a claim, or only military service members?
Civilian contractors and aid workers who were targeted or injured in attacks connected to their service alongside U.S. forces in Iraq or Afghanistan may also be eligible to file a claim, not just active duty service members and veterans. Eligibility depends on the timing, location, and circumstances of the injury rather than military status alone.
14. What does it cost to file a claim with the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C.?
Nothing upfront. Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ and USVSST claims are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no cost to have your eligibility reviewed and no attorney’s fee unless compensation is successfully recovered on your behalf.
15. How long does the Iraq/Afghanistan War Fund™ claim process take?
Timelines vary based on claim volume, documentation requirements, and the pace of fund distributions, and can range from several months to longer for more complex cases involving disputed eligibility or extensive medical and service records. Working with an attorney who prepares a complete, well-documented claim from the outset helps avoid delays caused by missing information or follow-up requests.