Title: 

APD 041050

Significant Decision

Date: 

June 14, 2004

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 041050

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 April 15, 2004. The hearing officer determined that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on ______________, and, therefore, did not have disability. The claimant appeals these determinations. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Whether the claimant sustained a compensable injury on ______________, was a factual question for the hearing officer to resolve. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the relevance, materiality, weight, and credibility of the evidence presented at the hearing. Section 410.165(a). 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 hearing officer’s compensability 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). As the existence of a compensable injury is a prerequisite to a finding of disability (Section 401.011(16)), we similarly perceive no error in the determination that the claimant did not have disability.

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

LEO F. MALO

12222 MERIT DRIVE, SUITE 700

DALLAS, TEXAS 75251.

Chris Cowan

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Veronica L. Ruberto – Appeals Judge