Black Lung Program: Further Improvements Can Be Made in Claims Adjudication

This report responds to requests for information about the Department of Labors Black Lung disability Benefits Program. Concerns raised about possible difficulties mines were encountering in applying for benefits and asked that information be provided on several aspects of the application and approval process. In addition, information was requested on the programs trust fund. The program, which the Congress established in 1969, provides compensation to coal miners or their survivors for total disability or death caused by black lung disease pneumoconiosis or chronic respiratory disease resulting from coal dust exposure.