Court Upholds Finding That Longtime Coal Miner Didn't Have Occupational Pneumoconiosis

West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals upheld a determination that a longtime coal worker did not have occupational pneumoconiosis. Case: Cook v. Arch Coal, No. 26-ICA-42, 06/30/2026, published. Facts and procedural history: Wesley Cook spent more than 39 years working as an underground coal miner and electrician. He underwent pulmonary function studies in December 2021. Dr. J. Randolph Forehand interpreted the studies as showing no impairment. Cook also underwent a chest radiograph, and Forehand opined that it was negative for occupational pneumoconiosis. In January 202...