Priscilla Ridener, Widow of Everett Ridener, Petitioner, v. Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Unitedstates Department of Labor, Respondent, 78 F.3d 585 (6th Cir. 1996)

ORDER

Petitioner Priscilla Ridener appeals from the denial of benefits sought by her husband, who is now deceased, and her own survivor's claim under the Black Lung Benefits Act, 30 U.S.C. §§ 901-945 ("Act"). The Benefits Review Board ("Board") affirmed the denial of benefits based on the Administrative Law Judge's ("ALJ") determination that Everett Ridener did not have pneumoconiosis as broadly defined by the Act ("legal pneumoconiosis").

Petitioner raises two issues on appeal. First, she argues that the ALJ erred by concluding that the existence of anthracotic pigmentation did not establish the existence of legal pneumoconiosis in the form of anthracosis. Second, she contends that the ALJ erred in not considering a reporting physician's diagnosis of chronic bronchitis in finding an absence of legal pneumoconiosis. Respondent, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, concedes that the Administrative Law Judge erred in not considering the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis.

Upon review of the record and the parties' briefs, we are satisfied that the ALJ did not err in concluding that the existence of anthracosis was not established. We agree with the parties, however, that the ALJ did not properly consider the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis in determining whether Ridener had legal pneumoconiosis.

Accordingly, we VACATE the decision of the Benefits Review Board and REMAND the case for a determination of whether Everett Ridener had legal pneumoconiosis in the form of chronic bronchitis and further proceedings not inconsistent with this order.