Bridger Coal Co. v. Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs

MURPHY, Circuit Judge.

I. INTRODUCTION

Under the Black Lung Benefits Act (“the Act”), a coal miner who is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis 1 from coal mine employment is entitled to lifetime benefits. 30 U.S.C. § 901(a). If the miner dies due to pneumoconiosis from coal mine employment, the miner’s surviving spouse is entitled to benefits. Id. In 2005, pursuant to the Act’s administrative provisions, an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) awarded lifetime benefits to Merrill D. Lambright and survivor benefits to his widow, Delores Ashmore. Lambright’s claims arose out of his employment with…