What Athletes and Their Families Need to Know
When discussing NFL concussion claims, two important programs often come up: the Baseline Assessment Program (BAP) and the Monetary Awards Fund (MAF). Understanding the difference between these two—and how they relate to concussion-related claims—can help former players and their families navigate a complex system.
Our attorneys at Stallworth Law explain each program, how they work together, and why knowing the distinction matters for your claim.
What Is the Baseline Assessment Program (BAP)?
The Baseline Assessment Program, or BAP, is designed as an initial step in the settlement process for former NFL players who may be experiencing cognitive or neurological issues linked to concussions. Through the BAP, eligible players receive a comprehensive neurological evaluation, including memory, thinking skills, and mood assessments.
Purpose
The BAP aims to establish a player's current cognitive and neurological baseline. These assessments help identify symptoms potentially caused by repeated head trauma during a player’s career.
What it Involves
Evaluations may include clinical exams, neuropsychological testing, and medical record reviews. The goal is to capture a thorough understanding of any neurological impairment.
Why It Matters
The BAP’s findings are crucial in determining whether a player qualifies for further benefits under the NFL concussion settlement, including access to the Monetary Awards Fund (MAF).
In short, the BAP is a medical and diagnostic program that helps assess a player’s condition.
What Is the Monetary Awards Fund (MAF)?
The Monetary Awards Fund, or MAF, is the financial compensation component set up as part of the NFL concussion settlement. While the BAP provides the medical assessment, the MAF is where eligible claimants receive monetary awards based on diagnosed conditions recognized under the settlement agreement.
Purpose
The MAF compensates former players diagnosed with qualifying neurological conditions linked to concussions sustained during their NFL careers.
Qualifying Diagnoses
This includes diseases like ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, various stages of dementia, and certain other brain disorders.
Award Structure
The value of awards depends on the severity and type of diagnosis, among other factors. Payment amounts are determined after thorough medical review and approval.
Essentially, the MAF is the program that delivers settlement payments to those proven to have qualifying health issues.
How Do BAP and MAF Work Together?
The BAP and MAF are closely connected but serve different roles. The BAP evaluation is often a required step to qualify for MAF compensation. It provides the medical foundation showing whether a player has a qualifying diagnosis or neurological impairments related to NFL concussions.
The process works as follows:
- Players first undergo BAP testing to document their condition.
- Based on these results, players may become eligible to apply for MAF compensation.
- The diagnosis, medical records from BAP, and additional medical evidence feed into the MAF claim evaluation process.
Understanding this process can help claimants track their claim’s progress and know what to expect at each stage.
Why This Distinction Is Important for Players and Families
Concussion-related claims are complicated and emotional. Families often seek answers, resources, and financial support to help with medical and daily living expenses.
Knowing the difference between these programs helps:
- Clarify the Journey – It separates the medical evaluation phase (BAP) from the compensation phase (MAF), reducing confusion.
- Manage Expectations – Understanding the steps involved prepares players and families for the time and documentation needed.
- Empower Decisions – Knowing what evidence is needed can help gather medical records and expert opinions.
For those affected by NFL concussions, learning about the BAP and MAF programs is a crucial part of navigating the settlement and ensuring their rights are preserved.
Navigating NFL Concussion Claims: How Stallworth Law Supports Players and Families
Repeated head trauma, such as concussions, has been clearly linked to serious neurological disorders—many of which are now recognized in the NFL concussion settlement. The creation of programs like the Baseline Assessment Program (BAP) and the Monetary Awards Fund (MAF) reflects years of medical research and legal advocacy fighting to address the long-term impact of concussions on former players and their loved ones.
Navigating these programs can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex medical diagnoses and unfamiliar legal requirements. Understanding how the BAP evaluates a player’s neurological health, and how those results feed into eligibility for MAF compensation, is the key to unlocking support and resources that can make a meaningful difference in daily life.
Stallworth Law is committed to guiding families and former athletes through every phase of this process. From helping you gather the right medical documentation to clarifying each step of the claim, our team offers the experience and compassion needed to pursue the benefits you deserve. If you or someone you care about is facing the challenges of concussion-related illness after an NFL career, Stallworth Law is ready to provide clear answers and steady guidance—so you can move forward with confidence, understanding, and support.
Contact our lawyers today or call (813) 851-2286 to schedule your free consultation.