Title: 

APD 021379

Significant Decision

Date: 

July 17, 2002

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 021379

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 30, 2002. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issues by determining that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on _______________, and did not have disability. On appeal, the claimant expresses disagreement with these determinations. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Whether the claimant sustained a compensable injury and had disability were factual questions for the hearing officer to resolve. Section 410.165(a) provides that the hearing officer, as finder of fact, is the sole judge of the relevance and materiality of the evidence as well as of the weight and credibility that is to be given the evidence. It was for the hearing officer, as trier of fact, to resolve the inconsistencies and conflicts in the evidence. Garza v. Commercial Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, 508 S.W.2d 701 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1974, no writ). The trier of fact may believe all, part, or none of the testimony of any witness. Aetna Insurance Company v. English, 204 S.W.2d 850 (Tex. Civ. App.-Fort Worth 1947, no writ). When reviewing a hearing officer’s decision for factual sufficiency of the evidence, we should reverse such decision only if it is so contrary to the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong and unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986); Pool v. Ford Motor Co., 715 S.W.2d 629, 635 (Tex. 1986). Applying this standard, we find no grounds to reverse the decision of the hearing officer.

The decision and order of the hearing officer are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

MR. RON DODD

STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY

8900 AMBERGLEN BOULEVARD

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78729-1110.

Susan M. Kelley – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge