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Feels like they are all against me
StuMuzz
Member Posts: 18 Listener
I have been awarded support group ESA a few months. I was not happy with the medical assessment report as 'extras' have been added and alot of details have been left out. I did not complain as was struggling financially and was just grateful I got anything.
I have been awarded standard rate for both parts of PIP. Same again, ;extras' added and a bloomin lot has been left out about how I coped during the assessment. I went to CAB with along list lol. They adviced to just concentrate on the planning a journey as I had been given 0 points (i was happy with standard for the first part) and if that failed to come back and we would tackle all the things i was not happy with in the report.
Reconsideration letter was turned down flat. I now only have 5 days left to contact the tribunal services, Just had a holiday and was really struggling with pain and ..er.. life.
I went back to CAB yesterday and was told you have left it a bit late and was only suggested to go to tribunal about getting around ie: satnav and that I have a doctors appoint in a fortnight to discuss a referral to be assessed for learning difficulties. No offer to help write the letter, no offer to help ask for an extension, no offer to help complain about the whole medical assessment. I hate knocking CAB as I know they give up their own time for free.
I've had to fight my own GP surgery for referrals for MRI scan, which have confirmed major problems at L4-L5, L5-S1. Previously had back surgery for a burgling disc 10 years, also had keyhole surgery on both knees...Twice. I've had to fight for paid medication every step of the way. Until I happened to see a different doctor who looked quite shocked that I was virtually begging for help with pain and lack of sleep.
After hours of reading online and then on here last night I have decided: Not to go to tribunal but instead go back to CAB and have a little complaint and hope they will help by putting my complaint on record with DWP about the medical assessment i had.
Just getting sick of all the hassle.
Stuart.
I have been awarded standard rate for both parts of PIP. Same again, ;extras' added and a bloomin lot has been left out about how I coped during the assessment. I went to CAB with along list lol. They adviced to just concentrate on the planning a journey as I had been given 0 points (i was happy with standard for the first part) and if that failed to come back and we would tackle all the things i was not happy with in the report.
Reconsideration letter was turned down flat. I now only have 5 days left to contact the tribunal services, Just had a holiday and was really struggling with pain and ..er.. life.
I went back to CAB yesterday and was told you have left it a bit late and was only suggested to go to tribunal about getting around ie: satnav and that I have a doctors appoint in a fortnight to discuss a referral to be assessed for learning difficulties. No offer to help write the letter, no offer to help ask for an extension, no offer to help complain about the whole medical assessment. I hate knocking CAB as I know they give up their own time for free.
I've had to fight my own GP surgery for referrals for MRI scan, which have confirmed major problems at L4-L5, L5-S1. Previously had back surgery for a burgling disc 10 years, also had keyhole surgery on both knees...Twice. I've had to fight for paid medication every step of the way. Until I happened to see a different doctor who looked quite shocked that I was virtually begging for help with pain and lack of sleep.
After hours of reading online and then on here last night I have decided: Not to go to tribunal but instead go back to CAB and have a little complaint and hope they will help by putting my complaint on record with DWP about the medical assessment i had.
Just getting sick of all the hassle.
Stuart.
Replies
So sorry you are having such a hard time
Starting the appeal process is very simple, all you need is SSCS1 and basic reasons why you want to appeal. You can download the form , so you do still have time to make an appeal. If you do decide to do so come back and we will help as best we can
CR
I won't bother taking it to tribunal after reading all the horror stories and the long waiting without any money, not to mention the stress.
Bad enough having to almost beg for all my meds being reviewed/ increased/changed. I was told last year a referral had been sent to investigate my upper spine and neck. Found out they have only just done it last month. Think they got sick of me keep asking "why hadn't I heard anything yet".
How long is your award for ?
CR
CR
It's worth appealing to tribunal, despite the hassle, as long as you are confident that your current award is safe. You will continue to receive your standard rate PIP in the meanwhile.
I had an oral tribunal hearing and my PIP was increased from standard both components to enhanced both components. 65% of tribunal appeals succeed.
CR
Would appealing PIP in itself affect your housing benefit? I suggest you ask about this in Ask a benefits advisor category.
From what I've read and i may be wrong. pip is suspending while tribunal is in progress. esa and housing benefit would not cover my monthly rent and bills.
I need a satnav or I cannot find anywhere and get very stressed. Even when I was working at various properties in my local town I would need it on many visit until I could safely find it. then if I went back months later I could not find it. This was what was used with the help of cab when appealing. when it was turned down and I went back to cab they went on about satnav and to use that in a tribual...they should bloody know it not deemed an aid.
If you already have a PIP award, that continues while you appeal.
After Atos assessment, DWP awarded me PIP standard both components. These standard payments continued up until appeal - when I was awarded enhanced both components.
Both esa and pip are awarded until late 2021
It really is worth while appealing, the judge should warn you if your current award is in danger giving you the chance to withdraw.
It is really up to you
CR
1, steering knob attached to my steering wheel.
2, mobility wedge cushion.
3.reverse camera connected to a view screen mirror
4. satnav.
now none is deemed an aid. without out any of the above i can not get from a to b.
CR
Lastly on the plus side you have scored enough for standard rate in the mobility category for ability to walk so you wouldn't need 10 points for the journey part. But having just checked out the descriptors in this activity with less points none of them mention the "planning" they all focus on not being able to go out anywhere and you do go out. I will mention here that the word "Unfamiliar" was totally ignored in my case.
@Matilda can I ask which descriptor you were awarded for the journey part of mobility and the criteria used as this may help @StuMuzz decide whether to try and challenge his mobility award?
@wildlife and others that replied, thank you.
I think for now I shall leave it as it is, until I have seen my doctor to discuss a referral to find what type of learning difficulties I may have.
The only test I've had was back in early or mid 2000, think it was 2005 or 06. I was sent to a works physiologist by the job centre. It is all a bit vague, all i remember is I pick up new things quickly but I don't retain new information.
I struggle with reading and writing and have a crap memory. I forget i've written myself notes and the safe place(s) i store things so I can easily find, sometimes have had to buy new parts for jobs because I can/t find them on the day of the job. get days/ date mixed up. I say left when I mean right.
Stuart.
At tribunal I was awarded 12 points for being able to walk not more than 20 meters aided (before needing to stop and rest). I never claimed any difficulties with planning a journey.
Yes, that's interesting. But I believe the tribunal doctor and judge also questioned me about my driving ability because the Atos assessor and the DWP DM both had claimed that, because I was able to drive myself, then I must also have enough strength to bathe and dress myself in a reasonable time period! Which is nonsense as less complex leg and arm movements are required to drive an auto car than to bathe and dress.
The other aids you've listed won't count because they have nothing to do with planning and following a journey. It would only be things like an assistance dog, mobility cane or the Blind Square app.