Title: 

APD 023031

Significant Decision

Date: 

January 17, 2003

Issues: 

SIBS-First Quarter

Table of Contents

APD 023031

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 November 4, 2002. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issue by deciding that the respondent (claimant) is entitled to supplemental income benefits (SIBs) for the first quarter. The appellant (carrier) appealed and the claimant responded.

DECISION

The hearing officer’s decision is affirmed.

Eligibility criteria for SIBs entitlement are set forth in Section 408.142(a) and Tex. W.C. Comm’n, 28 TEX. ADMIN. CODE § 130.102 (Rule 130.102). The SIBs criterion in dispute is whether the claimant made a good faith effort to obtain employment commensurate with her ability to work during the qualifying period for the first quarter. The claimant asserted that she had no ability to work due to her compensable injury. The hearing officer found that the claimant met the requirements of Rule 130.102(d)(4) and determined that the claimant made a good faith effort to obtain employment commensurate with her ability to work, which was an inability to work in any capacity, and concluded that the claimant is entitled to SIBs for the first quarter. 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. We conclude that the hearing officer’s decision is supported by sufficient evidence and that it 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).

The hearing officer’s decision and order are affirmed.

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

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

800 BRAZOS, SUITE 750, COMMODORE 1

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Daniel R. Barry – Appeals Judge

Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge