Title: 

APD 040048

Significant Decision

Date: 

February 25, 2004

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 040048

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 8, 2003. The hearing officer decided that the compensable injury of _____________, extended to include injury to the thoracic area, but not to the lumbar spine. The appellant/cross-respondent (claimant) appeals the hearing officer’s determination with regard to the lumbar spine, on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The respondent/cross-appellant (carrier) responds urging affirmance, but cross-appeals the hearing officer’s determination with regard to the thoracic area, on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The claimant did not file a cross-response.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in making 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 decision and order of the hearing officer is affirmed.

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

GLENN CAMERON

222 WEST LAS COLINAS BOULEVARD, SUITE 1720

IRVING, TEXAS 75016-7968.

Edward Vilano

CONCUR:

Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge