### Question
How is the "total disability" defined?


### Answer
The term **total disability** is defined in *30 U.S.C. § 902* as follows -

> given it by regulations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services [1](#902_1_target) for claims under part B of this subchapter, and by regulations of the Secretary of Labor for claims under part C of this subchapter, subject to the relevant provisions of subsections (b) and (d) of section 923 of this title, except that—


(A) in the case of a living miner, such regulations shall provide that a miner shall be considered totally disabled when pneumoconiosis prevents him or her from engaging in gainful employment requiring the skills and abilities comparable to those of any employment in a mine or mines in which he or she previously engaged with some regularity and over a substantial period of time;

#### Citation:
  - *30 U.S.C. § 902*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 21-METAL AND NONMETALLIC MINE SAFETY > SUBCHAPTER IV-BLACK LUNG BENEFITS > Part A-General Provisions**

