While the belief itself is hard to believe, there was once a time, close to 50 years ago, when people thought black lung disease was merely a myth. Coal dust was harmless, with doctors citing the benefits of inhalation that protected miners from tuberculosis. Even if...
Year: 2021
Former coal mining managers facing criminal charges
In a rare move, four officials from now-defunct Armstrong Coal are defendants in a criminal trial facing conspiracy charges to defraud the United States. Federal prosecutors have charged the former executives – Glendall Hardison, Charley Barber, Brian Keith Casebier,...
House passes social spending bill that extends coal excise tax
The U.S. House of Representatives did its turn to help coal miners suffering from black lung disease; now it is the Senate’s turn to act. On November 19, the House narrowly passed the Build Back Better Act – a highly touted $1.7 trillion social spending and climate...
Steps to take following a denial of Social Security Disability benefits
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the chances are good that you will be turned down. You are not alone. Approximately 70 percent of all applications are rejected during the initial phase of the process. It is anything but the final decision....
Steps to minimize coal dust exposure
As countless coal workers are initially diagnosed, suffer symptoms, and die from black lung disease, preventative measures represent the key to reducing, if not eliminating, this deadly disease. The news came too late for many as there currently is no cure for...
How can I improve my chances of earning disability benefits?
Disability benefits are often the only source of income that a disabled person has to pay for essentials like rent, utilities and food. Despite how essential this income is, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies more than 50% of initial applications. Suppose...
How surviving family members can apply for black lung benefits
A black lung diagnosis is devastating to not only the victim but also their family members. The news creates an uncertain future not only professionally but also personally. While medical advances have been made over the years, the tragic outcome will, at some point,...
Black lung compensation remains an uphill battle
Countless coal miners who have plied their trade underground over several decades find that the next chapter following the end of their careers is spent battling a deadly illness. Options exist to secure compensation, but the road to that goal is long. Consider them...
The future of SSDI and COVID-19 victims left unable to work
Slowly, the country is emerging from a worldwide pandemic that featured mask mandates and stay-at-home orders combined with business shut-downs and children receiving education via Zoom technology. Yet, there is still more what we don't know about the virus than what...
Two forms of disability compensation
Military veterans who served their country deserve respect for their sacrifices. Many find themselves disabled as a result of their deployments and face long-term, if not a lifetime, challenges. Thankfully, they have more than one option to secure the disability...