Title: 

APD 040785

Significant Decision

Date: 

May 13, 2004

Issues: 

Compensability-Occupationl Inj, Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Timely Reporting to Employer

Table of Contents

APD 040785

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 March 9, 2004. The hearing officer decided that: (1) the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable repetitive trauma injury, with a date of injury of _______________; (2) the respondent (carrier) is relieved from liability under Section 409.002, because the claimant failed to timely notify her employer of the claimed injury pursuant to Section 409.001; and (3) the claimant did not have disability. The claimant appeals these determinations on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The carrier urges affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in making the complained-of determinations. The determinations involved questions of fact 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 determinations are 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). Because the claimant did not sustain a compensable injury, the hearing officer properly concluded that the claimant did not have disability. Section 401.011(16).

The decision and order of the hearing officer is affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is ST. PAUL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

701 BRAZOS, SUITE 1050

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Edward Vilano

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Veronica L. Ruberto – Appeals Judge