Split Court Upholds Award of Black Lung Benefits to Widow

A divided federal appellate court upheld an award of black lung benefits to a miner’s widow. Case: Clinchfield Coal Co. v. Mullins, No. 23-1644, 12/02/2025, published. Facts: Donald Mullins worked as a coal miner for nearly 28 years before his death in February 2014. Procedural history: Mullins’ widow filed a claim for survivor’s benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act. A district director issued a proposed decision and order awarding benefits payable by Clinchfield Coal Co. An administrative law judge found that the widow was not entitled to the act’s rebuttabl...