Title: 

APD 020350

Significant Decision

Date: 

April 3, 2002

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration

Table of Contents

APD 020350

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 January 16, 2002. The hearing officer determined that (1) the respondent (claimant) sustained a compensable injury, in the form of an occupational disease, with a date of injury of _____________; and (2) the claimant had disability beginning September 12, 2000, and continuing through the date of the hearing. The appellant (carrier) appeals the determinations on sufficiency grounds. No response was filed by the claimant.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in reaching the complained-of determinations. The determinations involved questions of fact for the hearing officer to resolve. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence (Section 410.165(a)) and, as the trier of fact, resolves the conflicts and inconsistencies in the evidence, including the medical evidence (Texas Employers Insurance Association v. Campos, 666 S.W.2d 286 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, no writ)). In view of the evidence presented, we cannot conclude that the hearing officer’s determinations are 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 (Tex. 1986).

The decision and order of the hearing officer are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the carrier is AMERICAN PROTECTION INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

800 BRAZOS

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Edward Vilano – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Susan M. Kelley – Appeals Judge

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge