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 July 22, 2003. The hearing officer determined that the appellant’s (claimant) _____________, compensable injury does not include bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and that she did not have disability from November 12, 2002, through the date of the hearing. The claimant appeals these determinations and asserts that she received inadequate representation from her attorney at the hearing. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision.
DECISION
Affirmed.
Extent of injury and disability were factual questions 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 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)). It was the hearing officer’s prerogative to believe all, part, or none of the testimony of any witness, including that of the claimant. Aetna Insurance Company v. English, 204 S.W.2d 850 (Tex. Civ. App.-Fort Worth 1947, no writ). Nothing in our review of the record demonstrates that the challenged determinations are so against the great weight of the evidence as to be clearly wrong or manifestly unjust. Accordingly, no sound basis exists for us to disturb the hearing officer’s decision on appeal. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175 (Tex. 1986)
With regard to the claimant’s contention that she received inadequate representation from her attorney at the hearing, the Appeals Panel does not have jurisdiction to address this contention, as it is essentially a matter between the claimant and her attorney. Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Appeal No. 94030, decided February 15, 1994. In her appeal, the claimant also requests an examination by the designated doctor in order to receive an impairment rating. This request should be directed to the local field office as this issue is not properly before the Appeals Panel.
The hearing officer’s decision and order are affirmed.
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.
Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge
CONCUR:
Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge
Edward Vilano – Appeals Judge