Title: 

APD 032533

Significant Decision

Date: 

November 10, 2003

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj, Timely Contest by Carrier

Table of Contents

APD 032533

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 August 11, 2003. The hearing officer determined that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on _____________, and did not have disability; and that the respondent (carrier) did not waive the right to contest compensability of the claimed injury. The claimant appeals the compensability and disability determinations. The carrier urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision. The waiver determination has not been appealed and has become final pursuant to Section 410.169.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Whether the claimant sustained a compensable injury and had disability were factual questions for the hearing officer to resolve. 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 as well as of the weight and credibility that is to be given to the evidence. 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 indicates that the hearing officer’s compensability and disability determinations are 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, 176 (Tex. 1986).

The hearing officer’s decision and order are affirmed.

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

LEO F. MALO

12222 MERIT DRIVE, SUITE 700

DALLAS, TEXAS 75251.

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge