Re:Blue badge assessment anon

mellman01

Well I didn't get it, apparently I didn't stop to take my breath while walking but I did stop to change walking stick sides as it upsets the OA in my neck but she ignored that I guess?, I am also informed I can walk 200 yards, not sure where that one came from as we only walked in a small car park so did no more than 60 yards tops so thats me sunk.
Is it me or do others on here find that pain isn't seen as a disability by a lot of people including so called health professionals?, I've always found its like the film catch 22, you are told to not overdo things or you will wear the joint out fast so the pain will get so bad you will need a operation, makes sense to me, but then they expect you to be just like normal abled bodied people thus causing more damage!, its flipping madness!.
Sorry rant almost over, I'm not sure what to do, I didn't like the assessor she had an attitude from the off, she also didn't look at most of my medical notes including the post op report from the surgeon, she only looked at and took notes from the neurology rapport and used this against me, she also wasn't interested in the OC health Doctor where I use to work covering me under the the 1995DDA's as he was well versed on them and he said the level of damage in my knees alone means I was disabled in his view and he was working for the company who wanted to sack me!. I honestly feel like a) filling a formal complaint against her and b) Also filling a request under the freedom of information act to see exactly what she wrote about me.
My argument for doing so is if she's like this with other in my situation and no one says anything then she will simply be allowed to carry on unchallenged, and to be honest I am pig sick of feeling guilty and not being treated as if I have a serious problem by people who have no idea of what it is like to live in a pain prison, and who also have no humanity or empathy towards pain sufferers in general, so if I simply do as normal and forget it then nothing will change for any of us, I feel it might be doing more harm than good but I also feel its time to get militant and fight for once.
Right rant mode is now fully deactivated for now! :madnoel:

Numptydumpty

Personally I think you should go for it Mell. I don't see how you can do more harm than good, as they've already refused your badge!
I'm really sorry you've been treated this way, it's appalling, the whole system is warped.
Numpty

bubbadog

Mell definitely appeal the result! I didn't have to have an assessment, I just sent a copy of my DLA award and that was that. Maybe it has changed? Disabled parking bays are close to where you are going, don't they take that into consideration?! At the end of the day if you have reports or letters from consultants or Doctors saying what disability you have and the limitations it causes that should be enough to get a Blue Badge.

thistlegirl

I would appeal if you can bear it. The thing with Arthur is if pushed we can do most things, screaming in pain or paying for it for days later. Unfortunately I have found that the so called professionals don't always get it.
I hate these sort of assessments , we spend our life trying to focus on what we can do but to get through them we need to say what we can't

I hope things improve,

Jenny

villier

Sorry to hear this Mell, if I was you I would fight it, if you are on facebook look up a page called fightback there is a mine of information on there and people to help you with your appeal.............Marie x

barbara12

Mell sorry I have only just seen this, I would appeal..they seem to think they can write anything that comes into there head...you go for it x

tkachev

I have to agree with you. You are told to keep active and keep the joints moving but the DWP is quite happy to film you walking down the road or standing in the garden as evidence against you, or people criticise you for putting the milk bottles out.

I remember leaning against the glass shop windows in order to get from A to B. It was do-able but it didn't mean it was easy or a wise thing to do.....

I think, if you can, get the notes and see if she can be challenged on any point.

Elizabeth

fowls48

Yep Appeal mate .

Go For It .

Mrs F.

mellman01

Cheers for the relies guys and galls, and Liz bang on I'm with you 100%, just coz u can do it doesn't mean its pleasant but try telling them that they have no idea or empathy.
Mow Mrs F it says on the letter I can't appeal, typical of Oxford council they're the masters of the universe sadly, I have had a look on the web and they should have an appeals procedure in place but don't have to allow one, you can ask for a review though, I'm not sure if I should but in the letter I have they have totally ignored my neuropathic pain problem I.E when I have an attack I'm totally house/bed bound until it passes so can be off my feet for a week or more they also never mentioned pain as a disability other than I said I reported I hd some when they made me walk in their car park, trying to tell them how its a bow steer kind of thing seems pointless. Pain is still the second class citizen to visible disability. look at the para olympics not one mention of pain during the whole thing, we are forced to live in the shadows of society simply due to to many spongers giving those who are disabled with pain a bad name. Sorry rant mode kicked in there!.

bubbadog

You go for it mell! I hope they get their heads out of the clouds and give it to you this time with an apology for being stupid a**** the 1st time!!

tkachev

Did you get anything in writing as to why you were refused a blue badge? Or did they just say your application was refused? It helps to know on what grounds their decision was made so you can challenge it.

I suppose you have to ask for a review but it seems you gave them plenty of evidence to base their decision on. I don't know if you can highlight the evidence you think they have ignored or whether a different person at the council would look at your application with fresh eyes

A blue badge should be for people like you who have pain and difficulty in walking! I cannot see why they refused.

Elizabeth

ScottiePam

Hello, this is the Hag, back after a longer gap than I planned. My blue badge blues got a bit involved, but here I am......... :P
Mellman, I know what you're going through. :x Applied for badge in August, and was assessed by OT who looked like something off a fashion mag. After being refused a renewal of my badge, I submitted a four-page appeal, packed with info and proof of my deterioration. The BB team acknowledged the appeal, said it would be "thoroughly" reviewed by one not involved with the original application and bringing in a different OT, and I would be informed of the outcome in writing, and that would be that. Right. Meantime my current badge was history.

Letter received on 31st December, worded exactly as the original application reply, asking me to attend another mobility assessment. ! Assumed a mistake on the "been there, done that", spoke to BB team who informed me that the OT couldn't make a decision on the info provided :?:, and needed to see me in person. What will happen now is anybody's guess. Assessment is this Friday, 24th, and I believe I am the first to do this in my area. Watch this space...................
I will not give up, ever.

tkachev

good luck Hag. So you are able to appeal? Mellman says he can't appeal. It might be different for different councils though.

Elizabeth

ScottiePam

It is, but they take also take different approaches to other factors from what I hear. Example is the chevrons on disabled bays - my council rates them as not relevant , but others do. Too many different ideas on things like this, varying from council to council. :roll: Not much help to those of us simply trying to get parked safely and without hassle.
Cheers
Hag

dreamdaisy

I have to renew mine and I am wondering what the process will involve this time. The previous three just relied on my sending in a form and a cheque but now? I am reliant on walking aids when outdoors but in this day and age that may not be enough evidence. Hey-ho. BBs are doled out for many health reasons but in my view poor mobility should guarantee one. DD

Numptydumpty

I have recently renewed my BB. As I receive higher rate DLA, it was straight forward, I sent in application form, they approved it, I sent cheque, they sent BB. DD, hopefully yours will be the same.
Numpty

villier

I have just got my forms today and only need to fill in a third of them as I am on higher rate mobility although I wasn't when I first applied, so wait with bated breath to see what happens. I have to submit the grand total of £2.78p is anyone cheaper than this? xx