Radial nerve palsy - is it seen as a disability?

Albee

Hi,

I had a car accident in July in which I broke my upper left arm and sustained damage to my radial nerve because of the break. My bone was pinned back together in an operation and I sustained a couple of small bleeds to my brain which has left me with something called post-concussion syndrome. Anyway the damage to my radial nerve is likely to be permanent it seems and so my wrist anf fingers are limp in my left hand but I can still grip things its just that I can't release my fingers without the use of my other hand at times.

Is this classed as a disability as I can still do everything for myself (apart from drive - docs orders!) it just takes longer / I have to put in more effort / do things a bit differently than before? A number of people have said I should be claiming disabilities help of some sort, but I am not sure if I fit the criteria if you know what I mean....

allydowd

Albee wrote: »

Is this classed as a disability as I can still do everything for myself (apart from drive - docs orders!) it just takes longer / I have to put in more effort / do things a bit differently than before? A number of people have said I should be claiming disabilities help of some sort, but I am not sure if I fit the criteria if you know what I mean....

You could certainly claim disability benefits with these conditions. What matters is the effect of the disabilities on you, not the names of the disabilities themselves.

In terms of the Disability Discrimination Act you would be disabled you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. You can read more about it here:

DDA link

Albee

Many thanks for the link - much appreciated!

I read the criteria for Disability Living Allowance but I don't think I fit the criteria as I don't need any help in caring for myself or mobility (except when I hopefully get back to work, when the doc says its ok, my OH will have to drive me) have I understood it right?

Or is there another benefit I should be looking at?

GlasweJen

I don't think so, if you don't need help with care or mobility (driving doesn't count) then you're not really entitled to much help at all.

bigturnip

If you can't drive for medical reasons you can get a free bus pass from your local council. Access to work can also help with travel costs to work, such as taxis, if public transport isn't viable where you live, they can also fund any necessary workplace adjustments if you find you need something to help you do your job when you get back to work.

Albee

GlasweJen wrote: »

I don't think so, if you don't need help with care or mobility (driving doesn't count) then you're not really entitled to much help at all.

Thats what I thought as well. Many thanks for your reply.

Albee

bigturnip wrote: »

If you can't drive for medical reasons you can get a free bus pass from your local council. Access to work can also help with travel costs to work, such as taxis, if public transport isn't viable where you live, they can also fund any necessary workplace adjustments if you find you need something to help you do your job when you get back to work.

Thats really helpful to know! Where would I get info on Access to work? My accident was only recently and I am still trying to get my head around alot of new info.