This bill amends West Virginia Code §23-4-15 to clarify that the time limitations for filing occupational pneumoconiosis claims do not restrict a claimant's ability to obtain an evaluation from the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board. Specifically, it maintains the existing timeframes for filing applications for compensation related to occupational pneumoconiosis while ensuring that these time limitations do not apply to the evaluation process.

The bill includes the insertion of language that states, "Provided, That nothing in this section may limit the time within which a claimant may obtain an evaluation from the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board nor limit the applicability of 23-4-8c of this code." Additionally, it modifies the phrasing regarding the jurisdictional nature of the time limitations by replacing "hence" with "therefore." These changes aim to provide clarity and ensure that claimants can seek necessary evaluations without being hindered by filing deadlines.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-4-15