Title: 

APD 030317

Significant Decision

Date: 

March 18, 2003

Issues: 

SIBS-3rd Quarter

Table of Contents

APD 030317

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 14, 2003. The hearing officer determined that the appellant (claimant) is not entitled to supplemental income benefits (SIBs) for the third quarter. The claimant appeals and the respondent (carrier) responds, urging affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Section 408.142(a) and Tex. W.C. Comm’n, 28 TEX. ADMIN. CODE § 130.102 (Rule 130.102) set out the statutory and administrative rule requirements for SIBs. Whether the claimant made a good faith effort to obtain employment commensurate with his ability to work was a fact question for the hearing officer to resolve. A review of the hearing officer’s decision demonstrates that the hearing officer simply was not persuaded that the claimant’s job search efforts rose to the level of a good faith search to obtain employment as opposed to “going through the motions” to qualify for SIBs. The hearing officer’s determination in that regard is not so contrary to the great weight of the evidence as to be clearly wrong or manifestly unjust. Therefore, no sound basis exists for us to reverse that determination on appeal. Pool v. Ford Motor Co., 715 S.W.2d 629, 635 (Tex. 1986); Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986).

We affirm the hearing officer’s decision and order.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is CONTINENTAL CASUALTY

COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

CT CORPORATION SYSTEM

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Roy L. Warren – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge