Title: 

APD 033139

Significant Decision

Date: 

January 13, 2004

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration

Table of Contents

APD 033139

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 5, 2003. The hearing officer determined that the respondent (claimant) had disability resulting from her _____________, compensable injury from January 6 through September 30, 2003. The appellant (carrier) appeals this determination. The appeal file contains no response from the claimant.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Whether the claimant had disability during the period in question was 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)) 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)). A disability determination can be established by the claimant’s testimony alone, if believed by the hearing officer. Gee v. Liberty Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 765 S.W.2d 394 (Tex. 1989). Nothing in our review of the record indicates that the hearing officer’s disability determination 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 decision and order of the hearing officer are affirmed.

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

HAROLD FISHER, PRESIDENT

3420 EXECUTIVE CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 200

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731.

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge