Title: 

APD 031436

Significant Decision

Date: 

July 25, 2003

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 031436

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 May 5, 2003. The hearing officer determined that the respondent’s (claimant) ______________, compensable injury does extend to and include an injury to the right upper extremity with a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome. The appellant (carrier) appealed on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The file does not contain a response from the claimant.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Section 410.165(a) provides that the hearing officer, as finder of fact, is the sole judge of the relevance and materiality of the evidence. It was for the hearing officer, as trier of fact, to resolve the inconsistencies and conflicts in the evidence and determine what facts have been established. Garza v. Commercial Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, 508 S.W.2d 701 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1974, no writ). This is equally true regarding medical evidence. Texas Employers Insurance Association v. Campos, 666 S.W.2d 286 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, no writ). The trier of fact may believe all, part, or none of the testimony of any witness. Aetna Insurance Company v. English, 204 S.W.2d 850 (Tex. Civ. App.-Fort Worth 1947, no writ). We have reviewed the complained-of determination regarding the scope of the injury and conclude that the issue involved a fact question for the hearing officer. The evidence was conflicting and the hearing officer reviewed the record and decided what facts were established. We conclude that the hearing officer’s determination is supported by the record and is not 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).

We affirm the decision and order of the hearing officer.

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

350 NORTH ST. PAUL

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Michael B. McShane

Appeals Panel

Manager-Judge

CONCUR:

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge

Edward Vilano – Appeals Judge