Angina - Incapacity benefit

nmh1

I've searched via the internet have haven't found any help re having angina and claiming IB.
I came to the end of my SSP at the end of May 2008 and submitted a claim. I filled in the IB50 last week and this morning I received at letter from ATOS to make an appointment for an IB medical.
Can anyone tell me what to expect as this is my first time claiming any benefit.
I'm currently undergoing treatment for angina (my GP thinks it may be stress related) My next appt with the Cardio Consultant is in October. I've had all the usual cardio tests and they have shown no surgery is required but I'm still suffering angina pain. I am at the moment trying various medication to control it. My GP has given me a medical certificate till Dec 2008 and I have to see him every 4 weeks to check on the meds
My Ocupational Health is based at ATOS (I work for the NHS)and I've had 3 appointments there. Do I tell the IB Doctor this.
The quality of the reports varied and 2 by the one Adviser was cut and pasted from a template and containing several inaccuarcies, which I brought to the attention of my manager who agreed and complained to ATOS. I'm now waiting for my 4th Occ Health appointment with ATOS
Thanks

healy

The Doctor at the medical will ask you questions related to you physical health and you will score points according to how your problems relate to the descriptors on the IB50 form that you completed. If you score 15 or more points you will pass the medical. If you fail the medical you can appeal to an independent tribunal.

Mojisola

If you can, take someone will you who will go into the medical with you. Some people are finding that the reports given by the doctor do not always match the answers they gave in the medical. Having someone with you who knows what you said can be very reassuring if you need to go to an appeal hearing.

Did you have help from an advisor to fill in the form? You have a higher chance of success if you did. If you do need to go to appeal then it's essential that you get help.

If your angina is stress-related then you may find that you are entitled to some of the points from the mental health section of the form.

nmh1

Thanks healy and Mojisola
Thanks for the advice about taking someone with me
No I didn't have any help filling the form in.
I didn't write anything in the mental health part of the form which I found difficult to fill in as most of the questions didn't seem to relate to the symptoms I have with angina. Is it too late at the medical to include the stress aspect?

healy

No is not too late to include the stress aspect at the medical. If you explain that you also have mental helth problems the Doctor should take those into account as well.

nmh1

Thanks healy for the advise
I must admit I'm really nervous about the medical

healy

Alot of people are, I know it is easy to say but try not to worry too much.

nmh1

Thanks for the advice already gratefully received.
I've got my appointment for Friday 25 July.
Does anyone know how long it takes to hear about a decision and what types of questions I might be asked relating to angina or are the questions the same as the IB50 form?

healy

nmh1 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice already gratefully received.
I've got my appointment for Friday 25 July.
Does anyone know how long it takes to hear about a decision and what types of questions I might be asked relating to angina or are the questions the same as the IB50 form?

You should hear the result within about 3 or 4 weeks but it can sometimes take longer depending on the area. The questions will relate to the IB50 on the whole.

Mojisola

nmh1 wrote: »

Does anyone know how long it takes to hear about a decision and what types of questions I might be asked relating to angina or are the questions the same as the IB50 form?

The questions aren't usually about your condition but about how your condition makes you unfit for work - what you can and can't do.

nmh1

Thanks for your help
I'll let you know how I get on when I have a decision