While ever-evolving technology has tried to link black lung disease to silica dust, efforts in the past to make a connection have failed. Concurrently, lawmakers who have debated legislation regarding the health crisis have fallen woefully short in regulating the dust...
Year: 2022
Lung cancer and SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides people with a work history that includes payments for Social Security taxes. Disabilities that qualify can take many forms. While a presumption exists that those suffering debilitating...
SSDI applications in the Appalachian coal region
Ask anyone who has applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a high-profile, government-operated program. Looking at the statistics surrounding initial applications, you would think rejected claims are all part of the process. Considering that a vast...
Replenishing the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund
John “J.L.” white was a former coal miner from Williamsburg. His daughter recounted how her father was a skilled dozer operator recruited to the coal mines. His diligence and dedication saw him quickly advance up the ranks. Like many others before and since he was...
An alarming increase in black lung diagnoses
Spending the entirety of a career working in coal mines presents serious health risks. Far too many find their ability to continue in their job suddenly at an end following a black lung disease diagnosis. Awareness of the deadly affliction has forced coal companies to...
SSDI claims decrease while processing times increase
In any other environment, a reduction in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims would speed up the process of applicants given formal notification that they are approved. If the recent worldwide pandemic taught us anything is that COVID-19 has had a unique...
Falling short on safety has its consequences
The Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) has regulations in place that mandate accurate coal dust sampling in underground mines. Without these tests, respirable dust can result in a worker receiving a deadly diagnosis of black lung. The disease is progressive and...
Biggest mistakes made when applying for Social Security benefits
When you need social security benefits, you may assume that your benefits are guaranteed. The truth is that only an average of 28% of initial applications receive the benefits they are applying for. There are some fatal mistakes that applicants make when applying for...
SSDI options for elderly couples
As married couples grow older, the need for financial help to cover medical costs related to illnesses or injuries is essential. While one spouse may have to take on the role of caretaker, certain scenarios could see both partners needing support and questioning...