Judge Improperly Discounted Doctor's Opinion

A federal appellate court overturned an award of black lung benefits to a coal miner, finding a judge had erred in rejecting the opinion of a medical expert. Case: Energy West Mining Co. v. Lyle, No. 18-9537, 07/09/2019, published. Facts and procedural history: James Lyle was a coal miner for about 28 years. After he retired, he filed a claim under the Black Lung Benefits Act. An administrative law judge found Lyle was entitled to benefits payable by the Energy West Mining Co. The Benefits Review Board affirmed. Energy West appealed, asserting that the award was invalid because the ALJ had...