Title: 

APD 040974

Significant Decision

Date: 

June 10, 2004

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 040974

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 April 1, 2004. The hearing officer decided that the compensable injury of ______________, does not extend to include depression. The appellant (subclaimant) appeals this determination on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. Respondent 1 (claimant) did not file a brief on appeal. Respondent 2 (carrier) urges affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in determining that the compensable injury of ______________, does not extend to include depression. This determination involved a question 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 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 is affirmed.

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

RUSS LARSEN

860 AIRPORT FREEWAY WEST, SUITE 500

HURST, TEXAS 75054-3286.

Edward Vilano – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge