Opinion ID: 466092
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: introduction

Text: 13 These three black lung cases were consolidated for en banc review, because they each involve a common legal issue, concerning the type and quantum of proof necessary to trigger and rebut the interim presumption of pneumoconiosis under 20 C.F.R. Sec. 727.203, and because our past panel decisions in this area have been contradictory and confusing. 1 The regulation at issue states in pertinent part as follows:Sec. 727.203 Interim presumption 14 (a) Establishing interim presumption. A miner who engaged in coal mine employment for at least 10 years will be presumed to be totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, or to have been totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis at the time of death, or death will be presumed to be due to pneumoconiosis, arising out of that employment, if one of the following medical requirements is met: 15 (1) A chest roentgenogram (X-ray), biopsy, or autopsy establishes the existence of pneumoconiosis ...; 16 (2) Ventilatory studies establish the presence of a chronic respiratory or pulmonary disease (which meets the requirements for duration in Sec. 410.412(a)(2) of this title) as demonstrated by values which are equal to or less than [certain values specified in the regulation's tables]; 17 (3) Blood gas studies which demonstrate the presence of an impairment in the transfer of oxygen from the lung alveoli to the blood as indicated by values which are equal to or less than [certain values specified in the regulation's tables]; 18 (4) Other medical evidence, including the documented opinion of a physician exercising reasoned medical judgment, establishes the presence of a totally disabling respiratory or pulmonary impairment; ... 19 (b) Rebuttal of interim presumption. In adjudicating a claim under this subpart, all relevant medical evidence shall be considered. The presumption in paragraph (a) of this section shall be rebutted if: 20 (1) The evidence establishes that the individual is, in fact, doing his usual coal mine work or comparable and gainful work ...; or 21 (2) In light of all relevant evidence it is established that the individual is able to do his usual coal mine work or comparable and gainful work ...; or 22 (3) The evidence establishes that the total disability or death of the miner did not arise in whole or in part out of coal mine employment; or 23 (4) The evidence establishes that the miner does not, or did not, have pneumoconiosis.