(a) General. The persons authorized by the Secretary of Labor to accept evidence and decide claims on the basis of such evidence are called “adjudication officers.” This section describes the status of black lung claims adjudication officers.

(b) District Director. The district director is that official of the DCMWC or his designee who is authorized to perform functions with respect to the development, processing, and adjudication of claims in accordance with this part.

(c) Administrative law judge. An administrative law judge is that official appointed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3105 (or Public Law 94-504) who is qualified to preside at hearings under 5 U.S.C. 557 and is empowered by the Secretary to conduct formal hearings with respect to, and adjudicate, claims in accordance with this part. A person appointed under Public Law 94-504 shall not be considered an administrative law judge for purposes of this part for any period after March 1, 1979.