Title: 

APD 021056

Significant Decision

Date: 

June 10, 2002

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 021056

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 April 1, 2002. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issues by deciding that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on ____________, and that the claimant has not had disability. The claimant appealed and the respondent (carrier) responded.

DECISION

The hearing officer’s decision is affirmed.

The claimant had the burden to prove that he sustained an injury during the course and scope of his employment. Johnson v. Employers Reinsurance Corporation, 351 S.W.2d 936 (Tex. Civ. App.-Texarkana 1961, no writ). Conflicting evidence was presented at the CCH with regard to whether the claimant sustained an injury, as defined by Section 401.011(26), to his right elbow while performing his work activities as claimed by the claimant. 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 determination that the claimant did not sustain a compensable 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).

The hearing officer’s decision and order are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY OF CONNECTICUT and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

C T CORPORATION

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Susan M. Kelley – Appeals Judge

Philip F. O’Neill – Appeals Judge