Title: 

APD 032802

Significant Decision

Date: 

December 1, 2003

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 032802

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 1, 2003. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issues by deciding that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on _____________, while in the course and scope of her employment with the employer, and since the claimant did not sustain a compensable injury, she did not have disability. The claimant appeals these adverse determinations. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The claimant had the burden to prove that she was injured in the course and scope of her employment and that she had disability. Conflicting evidence was presented at the hearing. The 1989 Act makes the hearing officer the sole judge of the weight and credibility to be given to the evidence. Section 410.165(a). The finder of fact may believe that the claimant has an injury, but disbelieve that the injury occurred at work as claimed. Johnson v. Employers Reinsurance Corp., 351 S.W.2d 936 (Tex. Civ. App.-Texarkana 1961, no writ). It is evident from the hearing officer’s discussion section of her decision that she did not find the claimant’s testimony concerning how she was injured to be credible. Our review of the record reveals that the hearing officer’s injury and disability determinations are supported by sufficient evidence and are not so contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence as to be clearly wrong or unjust. Thus, no sound basis exists for us to disturb those determinations on appeal. 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 TEXAS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

MR. RUSSELL R. OLIVER, PRESIDENT

221 WEST 6TH STREET

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Margaret L. Turner

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge