Title: 

APD 022601

Significant Decision

Date: 

November 21, 2002

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 022601

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 compensable (low back) injury sustained by the appellant (claimant) on _____________, does not extend to a cervical sprain. The claimant appeals this determination. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Conflicting evidence was presented at the hearing regarding the extent of the injuries sustained by the claimant on the date of injury. Extent of injury is a question of fact. Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Appeal No. 93613, decided August 24, 1993. Section 410.165(a) provides that the contested case hearing officer, as finder of fact, is the sole judge of the relevance and materiality of the evidence as well as of the weight and credibility that is to be given the evidence. It was for the hearing officer, as trier of fact, to resolve the inconsistencies and conflicts in the evidence. Garza v. Commercial Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, 508 S.W.2d 701, 702 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1974, no writ). 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 hearing officer’s decision and order is 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

CT CORPORATION

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Gary L. Kilgore

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge