Title: 

APD 030179

Significant Decision

Date: 

March 12, 2003

Issues: 

SIBS-7th Quarter, SIBS-8th Quarter, SIBS-9th & Subsequent Quarters

Table of Contents

APD 030179

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 December 17, 2002. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issues by deciding that the respondent (claimant) is not entitled to supplemental income benefits (SIBs) for the seventh and eighth quarters, and that the claimant is entitled to SIBs for the ninth quarter. The appellant (carrier) appealed the hearing officer’s decision that the claimant is entitled to SIBs for the ninth quarter. No response was received from the claimant. There is no appeal of the hearing officer’s decision that the claimant is not entitled to SIBs for the seventh and eighth quarters.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Eligibility criteria for SIBs entitlement are set forth in Section 408.142(a) and Tex. W.C. Comm’n, 28 TEX. ADMIN. CODE § 130.102 (Rule 130.102). The SIBs criterion in dispute is whether the claimant made a good faith effort to obtain employment commensurate with his ability to work during the qualifying period for the ninth quarter. The hearing officer determined that the claimant met the good faith criterion under Rule 130.102(d)(2). We conclude that the hearing officer’s determination 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).

We affirm the hearing officer’s decision and order.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is FARMINGTON CASUALTY COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Daniel R. Barry – Appeals Judge

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge