Opinion ID: 1436
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: decision and order denying benefits

Text: This case arises from a claim for federal benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act, Title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as amended. 30 U.S.C. § 901 et seq, (ACT), and applicable regulations, mainly 20 C.F.R. Parts 410, 718 and 727 (Regulations). The Act and Regulations provide compensation and other benefits to: (1) living coal miners who are totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis and their dependents; (2) surviving dependents of coal miners whose death was due to pneumoconiosis; and (3) surviving dependents of coal miners who were totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis at the time of their death (for claims filed prior to January 1, 1982). See also Sections 718.306 and 727.204 for entitlement presumptions in certain death claims filed before April 30, 1982, where the miner was partially disabled at death. Other benefits include necessary medical and hospitalization costs required for the treatment of pneumoconiosis. The Act and Regulations define pneumoconiosis (black lung disease or CWP) as a chronic dust disease of the lung and its sequelae, including respiratory and pulmonary impairments, arising out of coal mine employment. See § 718.201. A formal hearing was held in Grand Junction, Colorado on May 18, 2006, at which all parties were afforded a full opportunity to present evidence and argument, as provided in the Act and the Regulations issued thereunder, found in Title 20, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 725 and 718.