Clarifying that the time limitations provided for filing occupational pneumoconiosis claims do not apply or otherwise limit the ability of a claimant to obtain an evaluation from the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board

HB 2133 clarifies that the three-year time limit for filing occupational pneumoconiosis claims (which applies to claims filed after last exposure or diagnosis) does not restrict a claimant's ability to seek an evaluation from the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board. The bill amends West Virginia Code §23-4-15 to explicitly state that filing deadlines for claims do not apply to the evaluation process. This directly affects workers with occupational pneumoconiosis - commonly linked to coal mining - who need board evaluations for compensation. The change ensures claimants can access evaluations without being barred by claim filing deadlines, maintaining clarity in the existing legal process.