Those suffering from disabilities qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if their occupations are covered by the program. Disabling medical problems must fall in line with the list developed and continually updated by the Social Security...
Our office is experiencing some technical difficulties with the installation of our new phone system. If you need to reach our firm during this transition please call the following numbers for assistance:
NORTON OFFICE:
276-325-1660
276-325-1793
276-325-1051
276-275-4087
276-870-6014
KINGSPORT OFFICE:
423-782-9128
423-480-1975
423-480-3195
ROANOKE OFFICE:
540-855-8280
BECKLEY OFFICE:
681-238-0880
304-860-7427
304-860-7348
Year: 2022
Long-awaited legislation gets another chance
With a handful of months to go before 2022 becomes 2023, a long-gestating and crucial piece of legislation from the previous year is getting another chance at passage in the U.S. Senate. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2021 would help miners stricken with...
Revisiting symptoms of black lung
With an alarming number of new black lung diagnoses and an even more troubling trend of younger miners contracting the disease, revisiting the telltale signs and causes of the deadly disease is essential. Black lung remains a problem in search of a solution. Countless...
Liabilities grow while the coal industry shrinks
The push for renewable energy continues. Most impacted is the coal industry, which continues to shrink at a rapid rate. In addition, insurance-related liabilities have skyrocketed due to a significant increase in black lung diagnoses. Estimates of the costs range from...
A surge in black lung diagnoses
The road to ridding the coal mining industry of black lung disease has hit yet another roadblock. University of Illinois-Chicago researchers published their findings in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society. They found lung tissue in the current workforce...
Troubling black lung trends
Black lung is a deadly disease that results from coal miners plying their trade in dangerous settings. Over time, safety initiatives have reduced the chance of contracting the disease. However, a combination of inaction and lack of funding for those suffering from the...
The continuing fight to protect coal miners gains more traction
In April, a new study confirmed what many already knew. A definitive connection exists between silica dust and the deadly affliction that has stricken countless coal miners for decades: black lung disease. While calls to action have not stopped, the latest findings...
The state of Social Security benefits
The Treasury Department is responsible for not only the Disability Insurance Trust Funds but also Old-Age and Survivors Insurance. These programs were launched to provide income to workers who can no longer work due to a disability or those who retired from their...
A new initiative to protect coal miners
For decades, coal miners have been exposed to dangerous and potentially deadly substance known as crystalline silica. The mineral can be found in sand, stone, concrete, and mortar. The respirable version contains 100 times smaller particles that can become airborne...
The role of claims examiners in the SSDI process
Claims examiners play a pivotal role in whether you will be approved or denied for Social Security Disability benefits. They work in consultation with a physician hired by the Social Security Administration to see if you qualify based on strict rules established by...