16VAC30-50-110: Rule 10. X-ray evidence for coal workers' pneumoconiosis claims

A. Limitation on x-ray submissions. In any claim for first, second, or third stage pneumoconiosis under § 65.2-504 of the Code of Virginia, the employer and the employee each shall be limited to submission of not more than three medical interpretations (readings) of x-ray evidence without regard to the number of x-rays. For good cause shown, additional interpretations may be received as evidence if deemed necessary by the commission.

B. Reading by Pulmonary Committee. Any party to a contested claim, or the parties upon agreement, may submit the x-ray evidence to the commission for interpretation by the Pulmonary Committee. If a party agrees to accept the x-ray reading of the Pulmonary Committee as the binding classification, the costs of evaluation shall be borne by the commission.

C. Appointment of Pulmonary Committee. The commission shall appoint a Pulmonary Committee to be composed of at least three qualified physicians certified as B readers under standards promulgated by the International Labour Organization (ILO).