Title: 

APD 030309

Significant Decision

Date: 

March 24, 2003

Issues: 

SIBS-2nd Quarter

Table of Contents

APD 030309

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 January 7, 2003. The hearing officer determined that the respondent (claimant) is entitled to supplemental income benefits (SIBs) for the second quarter. The appellant (carrier) appeals that determination. There is no response contained in our file from the claimant.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in determining that the claimant is entitled to second quarter SIBs. Eligibility criteria for SIBs entitlement are set forth in Section 408.142(a) and Tex. W.C. Comm’n, 28 TEX. ADMIN. CODE § 130.102 (Rule 130.102). The SIBs criterion in dispute is whether the claimant made a good faith effort to obtain employment commensurate with his ability to work during the qualifying period for the second quarter. The claimant asserted that he had no ability to work due to his compensable injury. The hearing officer found that the claimant met the requirements of Rule 130.102(d)(4) and determined that the claimant made a good faith effort to obtain employment commensurate with his ability to work, which was an inability to work in any capacity, and concluded that the claimant is entitled to SIBs for the second quarter.

The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence. Section 410.165(a). As the finder of fact, the hearing officer resolves the conflicts in the evidence and determines what facts have been established. We conclude that the hearing officer’s decision is supported by sufficient evidence and that it is not so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong and unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175 (Tex. 1986).

We affirm the hearing officer’s decision and order.

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

CT CORPORATION

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Roy L. Warren – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Edward Vilano – Appeals Judge