Title: 

APD 022635

Significant Decision

Date: 

November 14, 2002

Issues: 

SIBS-9th & Subsequent Quarters

Table of Contents

APD 022635

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 September 25, 2002. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issue by deciding that the appellant (claimant) is not entitled to supplemental income benefits (SIBs) for the 10th quarter. The claimant appealed and the respondent (carrier) responded.

DECISION

The hearing officer’s decision is affirmed.

Eligibility criteria for SIBs entitlement are set forth in Section 408.142(a) and Tex. W.C. Comm’n, 28 TEX. ADMIN. CODE § 130.102 (Rule 130.102). The SIBs criterion in issue is whether the claimant made a good faith effort to obtain employment commensurate with his ability to work during the qualifying period for the 10th quarter. The hearing officer determined that the additional documentation submitted by the claimant in support of his previously filed Application for [SIBs] (TWCC-52) was not credible. The hearing officer considered the evidence and found that the claimant did not make a good faith effort to obtain employment commensurate with his ability to work during the qualifying period for the 10th quarter. The hearing officer concluded that the claimant is not entitled to SIBs for the 10th quarter. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence. Section 410.165(a). As the finder of fact, the hearing officer resolves the conflicts in the evidence and determines what facts have been established. We conclude that the hearing officer’s decision is supported by sufficient evidence and that it is not so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong and unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175 (Tex. 1986).

The hearing officer’s decision and order are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is AMERICAN CASUALTY COMPANY OF READING, PENNSYLVANIA and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

CT CORPORATION

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge