Elizabeth Rapier v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

On February 16, 1971, appellant filed an application for survivor’s black lung benefits under Title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 as amended by the Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972, 30 U.S.C. § 901 (1982). The Social Security Administration denied the application. An Administrative Law Judge (“AU”) next considered the case de novo and on May 24, 1974, found appellant not to be entitled to benefits. The Appeals Council approved the decision of the ALJ on January 16, 1975. The case was remanded to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for further administrative…