Title: 

APD 030085

Significant Decision

Date: 

February 24, 2003

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 030085

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 December 5, 2002. The hearing officer determined that (1) the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on ___________; (2) the claimant did not have disability; and (3) in accordance with the parties’ stipulation, the carrier did not waive the right to contest compensability. The claimant appeals the injury and disability determinations on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance. The hearing officer’s waiver determination was not appealed and is, therefore, final. Section 410.169.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in reaching the complained-of determinations. The injury determination involved a question 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 injury 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, 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 are affirmed.

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

JAMES W. FISHER

8111 LBJ FREEWAY

DALLAS, TEXAS 75251.

Edward Vilano

CONCUR:

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge

Roy L. Warren – Appeals Judge