Workmen's Compensation Appeal Board v. Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Co.

Opinion by

Judge Wilkinson,

This case is an appeal by Rochester and Pittsburgh Coal Company and its insurance carrier (appellants) from a determination of the Workmen’s Compensation Appeal Board (Board). On August 27, 1974, claimantappellee filed a petition claiming compensation for total disability resulting from coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. Hearings were held before a referee who then, on March 7, 1975, filed a decision awarding claimant-appellee total disability benefits, 25% of which were to be paid by appellants and 75% by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The referee made the following…