Title: 

APD 031231

Significant Decision

Date: 

July 1, 2003

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 031231

This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A contested case hearing (CCH) was held on April 18, 2003. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issues by deciding that the appellant/cross-respondent (claimant) sustained a compensable injury on ______________, and that the claimant has not had disability as a result of the compensable injury from February 15, 2002, through the date of the CCH. The claimant appealed the disability determination, and the respondent/cross-appellant (carrier) appealed the determination that the claimant sustained a compensable injury. Each party filed a response.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The claimant had the burden to prove that he sustained a compensable injury as defined by Section 401.011(10) and that he had disability as defined by Section 401.011(16). Conflicting evidence was presented on the disputed issues. 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. Although there is conflicting evidence in this case on both disputed issues, we conclude that the hearing officer’s determinations are supported by sufficient evidence and are 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 TRANSPORTATION INSURANCE 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.

Robert W. Potts

CONCUR:

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge