Title: 

APD 032114

Significant Decision

Date: 

September 30, 2003

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 032114

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 July 14, 2003. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issue by deciding that the appellant’s (claimant) compensable injury of ____________ does not extend to include the low back. The claimant appeals, contending that the hearing officer’s decision is against the great weight of the evidence. The respondent (carrier) asserts that the evidence supports the hearing officer’s decision.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The parties stipulated that the carrier accepted that the claimant sustained a compensable injury in the form of a nose fracture and a cervical injury. The issue before the hearing officer was whether the claimant also injured her low back in the work-related accident that occurred when the claimant removed a headrest from a wheelchair. Conflicting evidence was presented on the disputed issue. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence. Section 410.165(a). As the finder of fact, the hearing officer resolves the conflicts in the evidence and determines what facts have been established. Although there is conflicting evidence in this case, we conclude that the hearing officer’s decision is supported by sufficient evidence and that it 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 STATE OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT (a self-insured governmental entity) and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

For service in person the address is:

RON JOSSELET, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

STATE OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT

300 W. 15TH STREET

WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. STATE OFFICE BUILDING, 6TH FLOOR

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

For service by mail the address is:

RON JOSSELET, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

STATE OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT

P.O. BOX 13777

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711-3777.

Robert W. Potts

CONCUR:

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge

Edward Vilano – Appeals Judge