Title: 

APD 032295

Significant Decision

Date: 

October 16, 2003

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj, Timely Contest by Carrier

Table of Contents

APD 032295

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 August 8, 2003. The hearing officer determined that: (1) the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on _____________; (2) the claimant has not had disability; and (3) the respondent (carrier) did not waive the right to contest compensability. The claimant appealed on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The file does not contain a response from the carrier.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in reaching the complained-of determinations. The determinations involved questions of fact 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)) and, as the trier of fact, resolves the conflicts and inconsistencies in the evidence including the medical evidence (Texas Employers Insurance Association v. Campos, 666 S.W.2d 286 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, no writ)). In view of the evidence presented, we cannot conclude that the hearing officer’s determinations are 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 are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is AMERICAN HOME ASSURANCE COMPANY, INC. and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

800 BRAZOS, SUITE 750

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Edward Vilano

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge