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 November 21, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the respondent (claimant) is entitled to reimbursement in the amount of $763.49, representing travel expenses for medical treatment at the direction of his treating doctor on the following dates: October 9, October 15, November 15, and December 21, 2001, and January 29, February 12, February 28, March 12, May 10, and July 11, 2002. The appellant (self-insured) appeals this decision. The appeal file contains no response from the claimant.
DECISION
Affirmed.
Whether a claimant is entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses pursuant to Tex. W.C. Comm’n, 28 TEX. ADMIN. CODE § 134.6 (Rule 134.6) is a factual question 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). The hearing officer determined that the claimant’s travel to and from his referral appointments was reasonably necessary. 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 or manifestly unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986).
The hearing officer’s decision and order is affirmed.
The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is (a self-insured governmental entity) and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is
CITY SECRETARY
(ADDRESS)
(CITY), TEXAS (ZIP CODE).
Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge
CONCUR:
Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge
Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge