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Pneumoconiosis

A serious lung disease caused by inhaling dust, especially coal dust, commonly known as 'black lung disease' among coal miners.

Adjudicating Claims

The official process of reviewing evidence and making a formal decision on whether a claim for benefits is valid and should be approved or denied.

Self-Insured

When a company chooses to directly pay for its own benefit claims, such as black lung benefits, rather than purchasing an insurance policy from another company.

Black Lung Disability Trust Fund

A federal fund that provides black lung benefits to miners and their survivors when a responsible coal company cannot be identified or is unable to pay these benefits.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

An increase in benefits or wages designed to keep pace with the rising cost of goods and services due to inflation, preventing a loss in purchasing power.

Discovery Sanctions

Penalties imposed by an administrative body or court on a party that fails to provide requested information or evidence during a legal proceeding.

GS-2, step 1

A specific pay grade and step used in the General Schedule (GS) system for most federal employees, which this bill refers to as the previous basis for calculating black lung benefit adjustments.