Title: 

APD 022997

Significant Decision

Date: 

January 7, 2003

Issues: 

SIBS-First Quarter

Table of Contents

APD 022997

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 30, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the respondent (claimant) is entitled to supplemental income benefits (SIBs) for the first quarter. The appellant (carrier) appealed, and the file does not contain a response from the claimant.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Among other requirements, Tex. W.C. Comm’n, 28 TEX. ADMIN. CODE § 130.102 (d)(1) (Rule 130.102(d)(1)) provides that an injured employee has made a good faith effort to obtain employment commensurate with the employee’s ability to work if the employee has returned to work in a position which is relatively equal to the injured employee’s ability to work. It is undisputed that the claimant was working during the qualifying period for the first quarter of SIBs. Whether or not the claimant’s employment was relatively equal to his ability to work presented a question of fact for the hearing officer to resolve. Nothing in our review of the record indicates that the hearing officer’s determination on this issue is so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence so as to be clearly wrong or manifestly unjust. Accordingly, no sound basis exists for us to disturb that determination on appeal. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986); Pool v. Ford Motor Company, 715 S.W.2d 629, 635 (Tex. 1986).

The hearing officer’s decision and order are 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 SYSTEM

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Daniel R. Barry – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge