Information

The West Virginia Black Lung Clinics Program is the single point of contact for Black Lung clinics. Using a Federal grant and State funds, this program provides for services at each project site to help with interpreting guidelines, administration of funds, and technical assistance in daily operations.

In West Virginia, each project site is housed in a primary care clinic. Providers render pulmonary testing and services predominently to coal miners suffering from black lung disease.  However, care for patients with all other respiratory diseases is also funded through this program. Each site provides services that include screening, diagnosis, treatment, education, rehabilitation, outreach and benefits counseling.

Each year, an average of 4,000 individuals receive black lung program services.

Additional Information

For additional information, please visit the US Division of Labor Black Lung home page. This site will provide access to the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation, the newest forms, regulations, supreme court decisions, programs and district offices, and frequently asked questions, as well as the most current Black Lung Monthly Benefits Rate. Current posting is for CY 2001.

For information about special circumstances or individual cases, please write or call the U.S. Department of Labor, Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation (DCMWC) District Office with which your claim is filed.

If you are not sure which District Office handles your claim, you may find out by calling toll-free:1-800-638-7072, Mon.-Fri., 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m (ET).

The West Virginia Bureau of Employment Program links to State Workers' Compensation.

There is a section which contains information regarding "How to File a Claim" and "Claims Teams" (from the home page, click Workers' Compensation, then Injured Worker Information).

You may also contact the claim manager directly (from the home page, click Workers' Compensation, then Search the BEP Directory, then the first letter of the last name of the manager you wish to contact. You may also click Injured Worker Information then Claim Teams to find out what team leader is handling the area of employment for which you have filed.

A listing of statewide black lung clinics can be found here: WV Black Lung Program