Jenny L. Howard (on behalf of Gregory Minix) v. Trinity Coal Corporation (Board decision, July 24, 2026)

BRB final decision. The Benefits Review Board granted the claimant's request to withdraw her appeal and dismissed it, ending this Board proceeding without a merits ruling. Under 20 C.F.R. § 802.406, a Board decision becomes final 60 days after issuance unless a timely petition for judicial review or a timely request for Board reconsideration is filed. A party may request Board reconsideration within 30 days under 20 C.F.R. § 802.407.

Plain-English summary

Jenny Howard filed a black lung appeal on behalf of Gregory Minix against Trinity Coal Corporation and its insurer. She then asked the Benefits Review Board to withdraw that appeal. The Board granted her request under its withdrawal rule and dismissed the appeal. The order does not discuss the merits of the benefits claim or state whether benefits were awarded or denied below.

Decision snapshot

• Authority: Appeal withdrawal under 20 C.F.R. § 802.401(a).
• Outcome: Claimant's appeal dismissed at her request.
• Key point: The Board ended the appeal without deciding benefit entitlement.

Full text (BRB public release)

U.S. Department of Labor Benefits Review Board 200 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20210-0001

BRB No. 26-0134 BLA
Case No. 24-BLA-05517

JENNY L. HOWARD
)
(o/b/o GREGORY MINIX)
)
)
Claimant-Petitioner
)
)
v. ) DATE ISSUED: July 24, 2026
)
TRINITY COAL CORPORATION
)
)
and
)
)
ROCKWOOD CASUALTY
)
INSURANCE
)
)
Employer/Carrier-
)
Respondents
)
)
DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF WORKERS’ )
COMPENSATION PROGRAMS,
)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
)
OF LABOR
)
)
Party-in-Interest
) ORDER

The Board is in receipt of Claimant’s motion requesting that her appeal be withdrawn. The Board grants claimant’s motion and dismisses the appeal. 20 C.F.R. § 802.401(a).

By direction of the Board:

Derek A. Steele, Esq.
Clerk of the Appellate Board