Number	17729
Subject	Health
Source	Times (Roanoke, Va.)
State	VA
Year	2000
Publication Date	November 24-25
Summary	The Roanoke Times looks at the common complaints of Virginia miners who go through the federal black lung program. "Passed more than three decades ago to lower levels of dust in coal mines and to compensate miners suffering from black lung, the program has fallen far short of its goal. Since 1982, between 92 percent and 96 percent of all Virginia miners who applied for black lung benefits were denied. Most were turned down because they failed to produce enough evidence that they had the disease. But few miners are able to prove they have black lung because they often lack the financial resources to hire medical experts." In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor does grant temporary benefits to miners after the examinations are doctor approved. However, when coal companies appeal, the doctors are not present to back up their decision. Instead miners end up losing their benefits due to the lack of experts on their side, and ultimately end up paying the government back.
Category	General
Pages	20
Keywords	black lung;U.S. Department of Labor;Black Lung Benefits Act;mining;coal companies;company doctors;miners;testimony;medical experts;Coal Mine Health and Safety Act;Mine Safety and Health Administration
Related Links
Related Video
Ordering info	Want to place an order? Email us or call us at 573-882-3364 (Stories are only available to members of IRE. For membership information, please refer to our membership page)