Title: 

APD 033044

Significant Decision

Date: 

January 5, 2004

Issues: 

Compensability-Occupationl Inj, Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 033044

This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A consolidated contested case hearing was held on October 1, 2003. In (Docket No. 1), the hearing officer determined that the compensable injury of (date of injury for Docket No. 1), does not extend to or include left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) subsequent to (date of injury for Docket No. 2). In (Docket No. 2), the hearing officer determined that: (1) the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury in the form of left (CTS) on (date of injury for Docket No. 2); and (2) the claimant has not had disability. The claimant appeals these determinations on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. Respondent 1 and 2 (carrier 1) and (carrier 2) urge affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in making the complained-of determinations. The determinations involved questions of fact 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, as the trier of fact, 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)). In view of the evidence presented, we cannot conclude that the hearing officer’s determinations are 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).

The decision and order of the hearing officer is affirmed.

The true corporate name of insurance carrier 1 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.

The true corporate name of insurance carrier 2 is AMERICAN CASUALTY COMPANY OF READING, PENNSYLVANIA 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.

Edward Vilano

CONCUR:

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge