This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers' Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A contested case hearing (CCH) was held on June 29, 2004. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issues by deciding that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on ________________, and because the claimant did not sustain a compensable injury, she did not have disability. The appellant (claimant) appealed, essentially on grounds of sufficiency of the evidence. The respondent (self-insured) responded, urging affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The claimant had the burden to prove that she sustained a compensable injury as defined by Section 401.011(10) and that she had disability as defined by Section 401.011(16). Conflicting evidence was presented at the CCH on the issue of whether the claimant sustained a compensable injury. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence. Section 410.165(a). As the finder of fact, the hearing officer resolves the conflicts in the evidence and determines what facts have been established. The hearing officer specifically found that the evidence was insufficient to establish that the claimant sustained physical damage or harm to her body as a result of an incident which took place, while at work, on ________________. Although there is conflicting evidence in this case, we conclude that the hearing officer’s determination that the claimant did not sustain a compensable injury is supported by sufficient evidence and is not so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong and unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175 (Tex. 1986). Without a compensable injury, the claimant would not have disability as defined by Section 401.011(16).

We affirm the decision and order of the hearing officer.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is (a self-insured governmental entity) and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

SUPERINTENDENT

(ADDRESS)

(CITY), TEXAS (ZIP CODE).

Margaret L. Turner
Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Daniel R. Barry
Appeals Judge

Thomas A. Knapp
Appeals Judge