Title: 

APD 022532

Significant Decision

Date: 

November 14, 2002

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj, Willful Attempt to Injure

Table of Contents

APD 022532

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 September 10, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the respondent (claimant) sustained a compensable injury on ______________; that the injury was not caused by the claimant’s willful attempt to injure himself; and that the claimant had disability from May 1, 2002, through the date of the hearing. The appellant (carrier) argues that the evidence does not support the hearing officer’s decision. The claimant urges affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Conflicting evidence was presented on the disputed issues in this case. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence. Section 410.165(a). As the trier of fact, the hearing officer resolves the conflicts in the evidence and determines what facts have been established. Injury and disability determinations can be established by the claimant’s testimony alone, if believed by the hearing officer. Gee v. Liberty Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 765 S.W.2d 394 (Tex. 1989). It was the hearing officer’s prerogative to believe all, part, or none of the testimony of any witness, including that of the claimant. Aetna Insurance Company v. English, 204 S.W.2d 850 (Tex. Civ. App.-Fort Worth 1947, no writ). We conclude that the hearing officer’s decision 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).

The decision and order of the hearing officer is affirmed.

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 SYSTEM

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Gary L. Kilgore

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

Thomas K. Knapp – Appeals Judge