Title: 

APD 021886

Significant Decision

Date: 

September 13, 2002

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 021886

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 June 18, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the appellant’s (claimant) ________ compensable injury does not include chondromalacia of the patella with a subarticular cyst and Grade I internal degenerative changes in the posterior horns of both menisci, and that she did not have disability resulting from the compensable injury. The claimant appealed and the respondent (carrier) responded, urging affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The claimant had the burden to prove the extent of her compensable injury and that she had resulting disability. There is conflicting evidence in this case. The 1989 Act makes the hearing officer the sole judge of the weight and credibility to be given to the evidence. Section 410.165(a). The finder of fact may believe that the claimant has an injury but disbelieve that the injury occurred at work as claimed. Johnson v. Employers Reinsurance Corp., 351 S.W.2d 936 (Tex. Civ. App.-Texarkana 1961, no writ). Our review of the record reveals that the hearing officer’s extent-of-injury and disability determinations are supported by sufficient evidence and that they are not so contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence as to be clearly wrong or unjust. Thus, no sound basis exists for us to disturb those determinations on appeal. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986).

We affirm the decision and order of the hearing officer.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

ROBERT PARNELL

8144 WALNUT HILL LANE, SUITE 1600

DALLAS, TEXAS 75231.

Michael B. McShane – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge