Title: 

APD 022810

Significant Decision

Date: 

December 18, 2002

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 022810

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 October 22, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on ___________, and did not have disability. The claimant contends that these determinations are against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. The appeal file contains no response from the respondent (carrier).

DECISION

Affirmed.

Whether the claimant sustained a compensable injury and had disability were questions of fact for the hearing officer to resolve. 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). Nothing in our review of the record indicates that the hearing officer’s decision is 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 ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

BRAD SCHROEDER

ZURICH NORTH AMERICA

12222 MERIT DRIVE, SUITE 700

DALLAS, TEXAS 75251.

Chris Cowan

CONCUR:

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge