Title: 

APD 032757

Significant Decision

Date: 

December 9, 2003

Issues: 

Compensability-Occupationl Inj, Disabilty/Existence-Duration

Table of Contents

APD 032757

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 September 18, 2003. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issues by deciding that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable repetitive trauma injury and that she has not had disability. The claimant appealed the hearing officer’s determinations and the respondent (carrier) responded.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The claimant contended that she sustained a repetitive trauma injury as a result of performing her work activities. The claimant had the burden to prove that she sustained a repetitive trauma injury as defined by Section 401.011(36). Conflicting evidence was presented at the CCH. 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, we conclude that the hearing officer’s determination that the claimant did not sustain a compensable repetitive trauma injury is supported by sufficient evidence and is 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). Without a compensable injury, the claimant would not have disability as defined by Section 401.011(16). Consequently, the hearing officer did not err in determining that the claimant has not had disability.

We affirm the hearing officer’s decision and order.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is HARTFORD INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE MIDWEST 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:

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge

Edward Vilano – Appeals Judge