Title: 

APD 022038

Significant Decision

Date: 

September 18, 2002

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 022038

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 July 24, 2002. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issue by determining that the compensable injury sustained by the appellant (claimant) on ________ does not include headaches, dizziness, and memory loss. On appeal, the claimant contends that this determination is against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance.

DECISION

We affirm the hearing officer’s decision.

The hearing officer’s Decision and Order contains a summary of the evidence. The hearing officer did not err in determining that the claimant’s compensable injury does not include headaches, dizziness, and memory loss. Extent of injury is a factual question 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 determination is 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 hearing officer could consider the time lag between the date of injury and the onset of the symptoms relating to the claimant’s head.

The decision and order of the hearing officer are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is TEXAS PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE GUARANTY ASSOCIATION for Reliance National Indemnity Company, an impaired carrier and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

MARVIN KELLY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR T.P.C.I.G.A.

9120 BURNET ROAD

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78758.

Philip F. O’Neill – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge

Veronica Lopez – Appeals Judge