DLA Appeals whats that all about ??????

dean76

Hi there and many thanks once again,

I rang 4 seperate CAB people who were useless and said I should virtually appeal or forget about it. I went to see a CAB advisor in person and discussed the option of appealing. But Ive decided not to as I would get tied in knots and my mouth would run away with me so am going to reapply again with the CAB filling all the forms in for me.

Ive been told to make a face to face appointment with my GP and ask him to support my DLA claim that I can walk but have to stop about every 30 yards because of pain. Although I can only walk 10 at the maximum before I am in agony and need to stop Ive been told that I need to put down that my condition has improved and that 20-30 yards is the maximum. Else I'll be refused. Suppose they know what there doing!

Ive also been told when I see the doctor to explain how the pain affects my mobility. But what sort of tasks does he need to know about on Monday in advance of the DWP asking him to fill in a medical form in support of my application ????? Im at a total loss because dont want to forget anything at all this time around. Any suggestions most grateful.

I next see the CAB adviser on 1 November because she is on holiday so cant ask her in preperation for Mondays GP appointment.

eckstardeluxe

The only thing I'd say is try not to change anything too drastically. Stick to what was in your original but just get the CAB to filter what is relevant for you.

The minute they receive your new forms, they are scanned by Rapid Data Capture. This means your National Insurance Number will flag that there are current details under this number on the system. The assessor will then have access to these and can use that info for reference. They will hold a record of the previous application for some time and whenever you call, you will be asked to give your number. The advisor who you talk with will have a choice of which claim to visit so can see both claims. I believe this is why the CAB workers preferred appeal.

This is why you need medical proof you are worse now than when you first applied, so this is what you need to get in writing.

tkachev

I dont understand why you have to say your condition has improved.
Tell your doc you need to make clear that you are in agony after x number of yards,even using the sticks.That is making your life difficult to get medicines and provisions.
Do you have difficulties washing yourself because of the pain restrictions,carrying pots and pans for cooking,getting in and out of bed.In the past I have been unable to do these things myself,even though my partner can do them for me.It is what you can do or cannot do.Can you get dressed without help or does it hurt and you need someone to help you because of the mobility restrictions?
Make sure your doc understands how difficult these things are and how painful it can be.
Make sure you dont confuse what your mum can do for you.It is what you can do for yourself.DLA is awarded to help people get care for these basics,although there are no restrictions on how the money is spent.
Hope it all goes well on Monday.
Tkachev

theresa4

HI Dean
Sorry you didnt have a good time with this. I had a benefits advisor fill out my DLA form for me and she was great she said that often the first application does get refused. What she said was to fill it in as though it was my worst day every day and also to type or get someone to type day to day symptom including falls and struggles and then give a copy to your doctor so they can fill it all in . It sounds like your doctor is very supportive as is mine but he said that A4 sheet was invaluable when filling out the form he was sent by DLA as those things were not the things we talked about in surgery time. I would go in for blood results, infections, pain relief, medication reviews but never discussed that I had fallen the previous week or couldnt climb the stairs on a day to day basis, that I couldnt chop food or pick up heavy items ie full kettle etc, stand for long periods, needed assistance out doors in case of falls etc etc.. The doctor is only supposed to report what is on your notes so if you have provided all this info even in one go they can put it in your report. On the plus side I have been told most appeals get through you could get in touch with your local disability advise centre as they usually have someone who can help you with your appeal and any future forms. Bear in mind as things may get worse your doctor needs all this info if you find yourself unable to work at any time because the Employment support allowance is no better !!
Good luck

Theresa

dean76 wrote:

I applied for DLA in March and in August was told that it was refused because I am not having unable or virtually unable to walk. My GP was fuming and I mean fuming that I was denied so I got 2 O.T Assessments, GP report, Consultants report and a 2nd opinion, O.H report. Line Manager and O.H offered to give additional information. Blue badge letter, copies of OA meds on prescription. Depression diagnosis and anti d's meds on prescription. Photographs, map of work, measurements of rooms in work, how I walk, time it takes to walk from A to B. How long it used to take me to walk these distances. Copy of job description (detailing were I am expected to do walking tasks) Which is ALL of them. Letters of people who know me confirming the difficulties I have. They all said my difficulties were substantial, that I couldnt walk far and had to use a stick. Everything I could think of.

2 days after I sent it to them they wrote and told me I wasnt entitled because 'despite my restrictions am not unable or virtually unable to walk'. But still getting lower rate care indefinetly because of paralysis in left hand cant link someone for support or use an additional walking stick which affects my balance. Which according to DWP terms because I cant use a walking aid or have someone with me to assist me makes me virtually unable to walk.

Fact my mother has mental health and when she isnt well cant look after me. Makes my mobility worse. Since yesterday I have been gobsmacked. I had proof of everything I could think of.

Ive contacted the CAB and a Benefits solicitor for advise because I havent got a clue about appeals but will. Part of me thinks it isnt worth it. Do they examine you at an appeal? Or is it all verbal?

Many thanks for reading this.

Dean xx

cazsudz

Hi Dean. Sorry your experience with CAB hasn't been too positive.

Like other people I am confused as to why you should say your condition has improved. It sounds like its got worse and that is what you should say. You need to put on the form all the diifferent ways your condition affects you - what every day tasks you struggle with etc. And let you GP know too as the last poster said.

Its usualy best to put things in your own words on the form if you can as sometimes they can recognise if a CAB worker has filled it in especially if they look at your last one as well.

Hopefuly your new claim will be successful but if not I would urge you to appeal it as you do get a much fairer hearing at an appeal. I know it sounds scary but with the help of the CAB it should be OK. they can go with you and help you to present your case.

Caz

dean76

Hi went to see my GP this morning and told him if he would support my DLA application for mobility component. He asked would that involve filling out a medical report for the DWP I said yes and he smiled. (me thinks it was the pound signs he was thinking of from the DWP).

He asked me who I lived with, what my job was, were I worked and said that if I was working then I must be ok, I was annoyed but suffering really bad with depression at the moment so let it past. I didnt have the strength in me to argue except to tell him that I wasnt.

I showed him my care plans from O.T and letter from Consultant which was sent directly to my home. He read them and passed them back to me and I gave them in at reception for them to keep a copy on my file.

Because Im drastically losing weight despite eating same (am size 10 and 5' 7" to begin with) he has increased my Citalopram depression tablets from 20mg to 40mg. Only been on medication for 4 weeks and no better. People at work are annoyed that Im being given special discompensations when they arent and having a go at me. Im off work today and I know my line manager is going to send me to O.H when I go in tommorow which is what I want. I want them to reduce my hours to 4 days a week and not 5. But with somebody in my team leaving at the end of the month they might not. I cant cope with 5 days at the moment is getting me down. Can O.H negotiate this does anybody know?

Anyway mum dragged me to M+S retail park and I got a lovely waistcoat/cardy for £9 instead of £25 which cheered me up no end. Looks really nice!!!!!