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 August 26, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the appellant’s (claimant) compensable injury (a puncture wound of the right palm) did not extend to include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), tenosynovitis, ulnolunate impaction, or a lacerated median nerve; and that the claimant did not have disability as a result of his compensable injury. In his appeal, the claimant contends that the extent-of-injury and disability determinations are against the great weight of the evidence. In its response, the respondent (carrier) urges affirmance.
DECISION
Affirmed.
The hearing officer did not err in determining that the claimant’s compensable injury does not extend to or include CTS, tenosynovitis, ulnolunate impaction, or a lacerated median nerve. The claimant had the burden of proving the nature and extent of his compensable injury. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and the credibility to be given the evidence. Section 410.165(a). The hearing officer determined that the claimant failed to meet his burden of proving that the claimed conditions resulted from the right hand puncture injury at work on August 2, 2001. The hearing officer’s determination in that regard is not so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong or manifestly unjust. Accordingly, no sound basis exists for us to disturb the challenged determination on appeal. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175 (Tex. 1986).
The hearing officer likewise did not err in determining that the claimant did not have disability as a result of his compensable injury, which she determined was limited to a minor laceration of the palm of the claimant’s right hand. The hearing officer was not persuaded that the minor puncture wound prevented the claimant from obtaining and retaining employment at his preinjury wage. That determination is not so contrary to the great weight of the evidence as to compel its reversal. Cain.
The hearing officer’s decision and order are affirmed.
The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is TWIN CITY FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is
JIM ADAMS, ATTORNEY
450 GEARS ROAD, SUITE 500
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77067.
Elaine M. Chaney
CONCUR:
Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge
Michael B. McShane – Appeals Judge