Federal Court Affirms Miner's Award of Black Lung Benefits

A federal appellate court upheld an award of black lung benefits to a coal miner, finding no error in the Benefits Review Board’s interlocutory order or final order. Case: Dominion Coal Corp. v. OWCP, No. 23-2310. 01/15/2026, published. Facts and procedural history: Darrell Meade worked as a coal miner for 37 years. He filed a claim for compensation under the Black Lung Benefits Act. A Labor Department claims examiner reviewed his application and issued a proposed decision and order, finding that Meade contracted pneumoconiosis on the job and that Dominion Coal Corp. was liable for hi...