PPD Benefits for Occupational Pneumoconiosis Payable on Date of Board's Findings

West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals ruled that workers with occupational pneumoconiosis claims have their benefits commence on the date of the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board’s findings. Case: Dorsey v. Blackhawk Mining LLC, No. 24-ICA-254, and Adkins v. Marfork Coal Co. LLC, No. 24-ICA-256, 05/22/2025, published. Facts: Joseph Dorsey worked for Blackhawk Mining LLC. He applied for occupational pneumoconiosis benefits in September 2022, alleging a date of last exposure to occupational dust in July 2022. Eleven months later, Dorsey underwent pulmonary functi...