Title: 

APD 021287

Significant Decision

Date: 

July 8, 2002

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj, Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 021287

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 April 25, 2002. The hearing officer determined that (1) the appellant/cross-respondent (claimant) sustained a compensable injury on ________________; (2) the compensable injury does not extend to and include an L1 fracture; and (3) the claimant did not have disability from the compensable injury. The claimant appeals the extent-of-injury and disability determinations on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The respondent/cross-appellant (carrier) urges affirmance of the extent-of-injury and disability determinations but cross-appeals the injury determination on sufficiency of the evidence grounds.

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 CONTINENTAL CASUALTY COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

CT CORPORATION SYSTEM

350 NORTH ST. PAUL

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Philip F. O’Neill – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

Susan M. Kelley – Appeals Judge