JEWELL SMOKELESS COAL CORPORATION v. DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROGRAMS UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR; ROGER L. HALE, SR
June 8, 2026·24-1081·Per Curiam·By Raj Patel
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the Benefits Review Board's decision awarding black lung benefits to Roger L. Hale, Sr. The court found that substantial evidence supported the Administrative Law Judge's determination of legal pneumoconiosis.
Jewell Smokeless Coal Corporation petitioned for review of a decision by the Benefits Review Board that affirmed an ALJ’s award of black lung benefits to Roger L. Hale, Sr., a former coal miner.
The court’s reasoning
The court conducted an independent review of the record and found that the ALJ’s factual findings were supported by substantial evidence. The court noted that the ALJ had considered all relevant evidence and provided sufficient rationale for crediting certain medical opinions over others.
What it means going forward
The decision affirms the award of benefits, providing financial support to Hale due to his work-related health issues.
