Clinchfield Coal Company v. Sidney Cox, Widow of Claude Cox Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs

Employer Clinchfield Coal Company appeals from an order of the Benefits Review Board awarding black lung benefits, attorney’s fees and interest to Sidney Cox, claimant widow of the deceased coal miner Claude Cox. The primary issue is whether a successful black lung claimant is entitled to interest on his award for any time preceding the decision awarding benefits. The Board ordered interest to be paid on monthly benefits from the dates each accrued before the date of its decision. We agree and affirm.

On April 3, 1974, claimant applied for widows’ benefits under Title IV of the Federal Coal…