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 May 21, 2002. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issue by determining that the respondent (claimant) is entitled to supplemental income benefits (SIBs) for the 10th compensable quarter. The appellant (carrier) contends that this determination is against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. The appeal file contains no response from the claimant.
DECISION
The hearing officer’s decision is affirmed.
Whether a claimant satisfied the good faith requirement for SIBs entitlement is a factual question for the hearing officer to resolve. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the relevance, materiality, weight, and credibility of the evidence presented at the hearing. Section 410.165(a). As an appellate reviewing tribunal, the Appeals Panel will not disturb the challenged factual findings of a hearing officer unless they 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); In re King’s Estate, 150 Tex. 662, 244 S.W.2d 660 (1951). We are satisfied that the record, which contains an amended SIBs application documenting at least one job search during each week of the qualifying period in question, sufficiently supports the hearing officer’s entitlement determination. We therefore affirm the decision and order.
The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU, A MUTUAL COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is
RICK KNIGHT
105 DECKER COURT, SUITE 600
IRVING, TEXAS 75062.
Susan M. Kelley – Appeals Judge
CONCUR:
Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge
Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge