What counts as disability?

mol122

Hi pompeyfaith
I get lowest rate care component of DLA for arthritis in my hands and wrists. I had submitted my forms and got a phone call from a man from DWP asking me was I capable of cooking myself a meal, yes or no? I said, "well yes, but mainly microwave meals" and the refusal letter came two days later. I wrote back in appeal saying that to say "no" would imply I didn't eat. I am however totally incapable of cutting up swede, cabbage, carrots etc and hate using frozen. That did the trick for me. I should probably be on a higher rate but am frightened to try for more in case I lose what I get.
I would advise you to make an appointment at your Welfare Rights Office and get them to fill the forms in for you. They usually offer support at medicals, appeals etc.

andertoonz

mmm, it's funny, i was just chatting about this subject the other day, as i have recently come to renovate my first home. We were chatting about boilers etc, and this came up because i was born without a sense of smell.

the medical term, i believe, is Congenital Anosmia.

We moved home when i was younder because i was sat in a gas leak. For the past 10 years, i have lived with my mother, and all gas appliances are electric (except the fireplace). But now i'm moving out, i worry there will be more time for me to be left alone without being abe to smell Gas etc.

Other than that, i obviously have no physical indication of this and it rarely affects me in day-to-day life.

Do you think, and if so (how?) i shoud apply for DLA? Perhaps i could be provided with free carbon monoxide detectors (i suppose thats odourless anyway), or something?

Thanks for any help. Em x

lilmisstrouble

my son receives middle rate care lower rate mobility disabled living allowance, has a statement of educational needs but can't be registered disabled by the council as he has GCSE's!

Rikki

I have some question?

What is the difference between IB and long term IB?

How do people know which they are claiming?

Are the entitlements different to other services like free prescriptions, dentists, opticians, cold weather payments etc, depending on which one you are on?

janet6267

mol122 wrote: »

Hi pompeyfaith
I get lowest rate care component of DLA for arthritis in my hands and wrists. I had submitted my forms and got a phone call from a man from DWP asking me was I capable of cooking myself a meal, yes or no? I said, "well yes, but mainly microwave meals" and the refusal letter came two days later. I wrote back in appeal saying that to say "no" would imply I didn't eat. I am however totally incapable of cutting up swede, cabbage, carrots etc and hate using frozen. That did the trick for me. I should probably be on a higher rate but am frightened to try for more in case I lose what I get.
I would advise you to make an appointment at your Welfare Rights Office and get them to fill the forms in for you. They usually offer support at medicals, appeals etc.

Thanks for this info, I have wrist problems, still waiting to see specialist (17th Feb). I have been off work since Sept and Dr has told me I will probably not be able to go back to my job. I did not think I would be able to claim anything but as I am a danger with a knife, more likely to cut my fingers off than the veg. This has given me a bit of hope....thanks.

mrsbirdy

Hi, a newbie here.

I've been strugling to get DLA for the last 2 years because when i describe whats wrong no one belives me.

Basically the GP was happy to give me steriod based injections for my hayfever/asthma even though it was advised not to be given. I woke up one day with, wel a dent, in my bum cheek. Sounds funny doesnt it, and TBH at first it was, then an hour later the pain kicked in. Long story short, 18 months, 6 consultants, one NHS physio (who was crap) and a private physio who helped me out the dent was 11cm long and 3 cm deep. I basically have half a bum cheek.

I was finally diagnosed with a condiotion called Lipodystropy/Lipoatrophy
I struggle to walk, have to use a stick, i'm on meds for the nerve pain as the nerves have been damaged and morphine for the pain i have because the muscles have been killed of (fat and muscle necrosis)
I have lost my job working with pre school children and on a bad day i can hardly move. My husband has to help me out of bed every morning.

Yet i have been turned down 3 times and this appeal is hopefully going to a tribunal, i havent had one medical.

I have 2 children, but as long as i can cook for myself it doesnt count that i struggle to cook a family meal, its infuriating!


Sorry to waffle on.

I have applied for a blue badge, havent heard yet, i have a new GP (for the 3rd time) so hopefully he will be sympathetic!

sleepysammy

please can someone help me . I am suffering with what looks like M.E Is this a dissability and has anyone been successful in claiming anything or getting any sort of help ?

Jezzafletcher

Hi all - I've got Keratoconus (sp?) (deformation of cornea) - I am under Moorfields eye hospital - long history prior to this diagnosis. Classified as visually impaired in left eye though not in right eye. That having been said I have been not able to drive for last five years due to poor vision in right eye - cannot meet licence plate reading criteria. I don't seem to hit the radar re. disability - I am told I have to wait for right eye to also be classified as "impaired". Vision is poor and spend my whole life squinting. Work is great - work full time - ironically I am social work manager.... not in disability services. Have done access to work etc. - have reccommendations from RNIB for visual aids etc. but real issue for me is transport. Have to walk a mile plus from home every day to bus stop... one bus an hour to work (live in very rural area) then use public transport to get around to teams I manage. Not elligible in transport area for help as already hold down full time job prior to application. I don't want miracles - just want equity - you can't see disability and I have years of experience "covering up". Any bright ideas?

Jezzafletcher

Help - wrote a reply re. disability and have no idea where it was - a certain criteris for registration!!!

Jezzafletcher

oops - found and blushing!!! Trouble is the visual world is slightly beyond my sphere but hey ho - went for a walk in the snow the other night - saw contrast in a way i haven't for a very long time - soooo cool in soooo many ways.