Opinion ID: 537072
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: 8 The issue of procedural requirements for a black lung benefits determination presents a question of law subject to de novo review by this court. Cf. In re Ruti-Sweetwater, Inc., 836 F.2d 1263, 1266 (10th Cir.1988); North American Coal Corp. v. Director, O.W.C.P., 854 F.2d 386, 388 (10th Cir.1988). In this case the Board and the Director of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs disagree as to the procedures to be followed. We have adopted the position of the Director for two reasons. Initially, we are persuaded by the well-written and exhaustive brief filed by the Director in this case. Indeed, we adopt as our own portions of the brief with only editorial changes. In addition, the Supreme Court has held that the Board's interpretation of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act is not entitled to any special deference from the courts. Potomac Elec. Power Co. v. Director, O.W.C.P., 449 U.S. 268, 278 n. 18, 101 S.Ct. 509, 514 n. 18, 66 L.Ed.2d 446 (1980). Several circuits have followed this decision. 2 We have discovered only one circuit, ours, that has not fallen in line with Potomac Electric. This court has previously stated that we would defer to the Board's interpretations of the Longshore and Black Lung Benefits Acts. Director, O.W.C.P. v. Gurule, 653 F.2d 1368, 1372 (10th Cir.1981). We note, however, that Potomac Electric was not called to this court's attention in making the Gurule ruling. Therefore, in light of the Supreme Court's mandate, this court now adopts the position of no deference to the Board's interpretation of the Acts. This change has been submitted to the entire court en banc without objection. 3 9 The Supreme Court has also held that the courts should give the Secretary's interpretation of the black lung regulations substantial deference. Mullins Coal Co. v. Director, O.W.C.P., 484 U.S. 135, 108 S.Ct. 427, 440, 98 L.Ed.2d 450 (1987). Therefore, we adopt the Director's position and reverse the Board's decision concerning the applicable procedures. 10