Title: 

APD 040594

Significant Decision

Date: 

April 15, 2004

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration

Table of Contents

APD 040594

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 February 24, 2004. The hearing officer determined that as a result of the _____________, compensable injury, the appellant (claimant) had disability from March 19 to April 19, 2003, but not from April 20, 2003, to January 20, 2004. The claimant appeals this determination, arguing that he had disability from March 19, 2003, through January 20, 2004. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Whether the claimant had disability resulting from the compensable injury and, if so, for what period of time were factual questions 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 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)). It was the hearing officer’s prerogative to believe all, part, or none of the testimony of any witness, including that of the claimant. Aetna Insurance Company v. English, 204 S.W.2d 850 (Tex. Civ. App.-Fort Worth 1947, no writ). Nothing in our review of the record indicates that the hearing officer’s decision 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, 176 (Tex. 1986).

The decision and order of the hearing officer are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

GARY SUDOL

9330 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1200

DALLAS, TEXAS 75243.

Chris Cowan

CONCUR:

Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge

Veronica L. Ruberto – Appeals Judge