Title: 

APD 012711

Significant Decision

Date: 

December 5, 2001

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 012711

This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A contested case hearing was held on October 10, 2001. The hearing officer determined that the compensable injury of respondent (claimant) extended to L5-S1 spondylolisthesis, spondylosis with stenosis of the neural foramina, and a herniated disc. Appellant (carrier) appealed this determination on sufficiency grounds, contending that no medical evidence supports the hearing officer’s determination. Claimant responded that the Appeals Panel should affirm the hearing officer’s decision and order.

DECISION

We affirm.

We have reviewed the complained-of determination and conclude that the issue involved fact questions for the hearing officer. The hearing officer reviewed the record and decided what facts were established. The February 2, 2001, report from Dr. M supports the hearing officer’s determination. We conclude that the hearing officer’s determination is not so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong or manifestly unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986).

We affirm the hearing officer’s decision and order.

According to information provided by carrier, the true corporate name of the insurance carrier is ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

GEORGE MICHAEL JONES

9330 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1200

DALLAS, TEXAS 75243.

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Philip F. O’Neill – Appeals Judge

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge