Title: 

APD 041131

Significant Decision

Date: 

July 1, 2004

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 041131

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 23, 2004. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issue by determining that the appellant’s (claimant) _____________, compensable injury does not extend to or include right carpal tunnel syndrome. The claimant appeals this determination. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Extent of injury was 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 it is for the hearing officer to resolve such conflicts and inconsistencies in the evidence as were present in this case (Garza v. Commercial Insurance Co. of Newark, New Jersey, 508 S.W.2d 701 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1974, 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 AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

DOROTHY C. LEADERER

1999 BRYAN STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Chris Cowan

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge