Title: 

APD 033155

Significant Decision

Date: 

January 22, 2004

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 033155

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 October 28, 2003. The hearing officer determined that the ____________, compensable injury of appellant (claimant) extends to a disc bulge at the T11-12 spinal level but does not extend to bulging or protruding discs at the L1-2 through L5-S1 spinal levels, and that claimant did not have disability after September 18, 2002. Claimant appeals the adverse determinations regarding extent of injury and disability on sufficiency grounds. Respondent (carrier) responded that the Appeals Panel should affirm the hearing officer’s decision and order.

DECISION

We affirm.

We have reviewed the complained-of determinations and conclude that the issues involved fact questions for the hearing officer. The hearing officer reviewed the record and decided what facts were established. We conclude that the hearing officer’s determinations are supported by the record and are 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 hearing officer’s decision and order.

According to information provided by carrier, 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 SYSTEMS

350 NORTH ST. PAUL, SUITE 2900

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge