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At a Glance:
Title:
APD 041542
Date:
August 19, 2004

APD 041542

August 19, 2004

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 May 24, 2004. The hearing officer determined that the respondent’s (claimant) ______________, compensable injury extends to and includes her lumbar spine, but does not extend to or include her cervical spine. The appellant (carrier) appealed the hearing officer’s determination that the compensable injury extends to and includes the lumbar spine. The appeal file does not contain a response from the claimant. The hearing officer’s determination regarding the cervical spine has not been appealed and has become final. Section 410.169.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Extent of injury is a question of fact. It was for the hearing officer, as the trier of fact, to resolve the conflicts and inconsistencies in the evidence and to determine what facts had been established. Garza v. Commercial Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, 508 S.W.2d 701 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1974, no writ). This is equally true regarding medical evidence. Texas Employers Insurance Association v. Campos, 666 S.W.2d 286 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, no writ). The trier of fact may believe all, part, or none of the testimony of any witness. Taylor v. Lewis, 553 S.W.2d 153, 161 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1977, writ ref'd n.r.e.); Aetna Insurance Co. v. English, 204 S.W.2d 850 (Tex. Civ. App.-Fort Worth 1947, no writ). Although there was conflicting evidence, the hearing officer was persuaded by the evidence presented by the claimant that the compensable injury includes her lumbar spine. 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 hearing officer’s decision and order are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is COMMERCE & INDUSTRY INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

800 BRAZOS, SUITE 750, COMMODORE 1

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Daniel R. Barry

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes
Appeals Judge

Chris Cowan
Appeals Judge

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