Title: 

APD 022725

Significant Decision

Date: 

December 11, 2002

Issues: 

Compensability-Occupationl Inj, Date of Injury, Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 022725

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 issues by deciding that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable repetitive trauma injury with a date of injury of _____________; that the claimed injury does not extend to the thoracic spine; and that the claimant has not had disability. The claimant appealed and the respondent (carrier) responded.

DECISION

The hearing officer’s decision is affirmed.

The claimant had the burden to prove that he sustained a repetitive trauma injury as defined by Section 401.011(36) and that he had disability as defined by Section 401.011(16). Conflicting evidence was presented on the disputed issues. 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 HOME ASSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

800 BRAZOS, SUITE 750, COMMODORE 1

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Veronica L. Ruberto – Appeals Judge