Court Affirms Pneumoconiosis Award

A federal appellate court said an administrative law judge sufficiently explained the medical opinions and evidence that supported a finding that a worker was totally disabled by pneumoconiosis arising from working in a coal mine. Case: Clinchfield Coal Co. et al. v. Director Office of Workers' Compensation Programs et al., No. 24-1875, 12/23/2025, unpublished. Facts and procedural history: Johnny L. Wallace filed a claim for black lung benefits in July 2019. Clinchfield Coal Co. disputed a proposed order awarding benefits and requested a hearing. After the hearing, an administrative la...