Black Lung Benefits Reform Act

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Black Lung Benefits Reform Act - Stipulates that if a miner was employed for 30 years or more in an underground coal mine, or for 25 years or more in an anthracite coal mine, such miner shall be entitled to the payment of black lung benefits under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Permits a miner to file a claim for workmen's compensation benefits whether or not such miner is employed by an operator of a coal mine at the time the miner files the claim. Directs the Secretary of Labor to notify a miner as soon as practicable after receiving a claim for benefits on whether or not such miner is eligible for benefits. Permits the utilization of affidavits in cases of deceased miners where there is no relevant medical evidence sufficient to establish that the miner was totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that his death was due to such disease. Sets forth new regulations and provisions regarding the administration of the workmen's compensation program, and claims thereunder. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for prompt and equitable hearing of appeals by claimants aggreivated by adverse workmen's compensation decisions. Establishes the Black Lung …