Title: 

APD 022539

Significant Decision

Date: 

November 18, 2002

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 022539

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 9, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the appellant’s (claimant herein) compensable injury of ______________, does not extend to the claimant’s lumbar spine, groin, or testicles. The claimant appeals, contending that this determination was contrary to the evidence. The respondent (carrier herein) replies that the claimant’s appeal is untimely and that the hearing officer’s decision is supported by the evidence.

DECISION

Finding sufficient evidence to support the decision of the hearing officer and no reversible error in the record, we affirm the decision and order of the hearing officer.

As to the carrier’s assertion that the claimant’s appeal is untimely, we refer the carrier to Section 410.202(d), amended effective June 17, 2001, to provide that Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays listed in Section 662.003, Texas Government Code, are not included in the computation of the time in which a request for an appeal must be filed. The assertion of untimeliness is without merit.

The hearing officer did not err in determining that the compensable injury of ______________, does not extend to the claimant’s lumbar spine, groin, or testicles. The determination involved a question of fact for the hearing officer to resolve. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence (Section 410.165(a)) and, as the trier of fact, resolves the conflicts and inconsistencies in the evidence including the medical evidence (Texas Employers Insurance Association v. Campos, 666 S.W.2d 286 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, no writ)). In view of the evidence presented, we cannot conclude that the hearing officer’s determination is 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).

The decision and order of the hearing officer are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is VALLEY FORGE INSURANCE 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 – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Michael B. McShane

Appeals Panel

Judge/Manager