Can you claim DLA if your condition is not diagnosed?

suziewin

Hi,

I have an ankle injury which causes me severe pain and causes me to walk with a limp. I am unable to walk far as the swelling increases to the point where I cant put any weight on my left side. Ive has this condition for 22 months now - have seen an orthopedic surgeon and had mri and ultrasound- am currently waiting to see a foot surgeon so they can open up my foot.

Due to ankle injury it has thrown my back and im waiting to go to pain clinic. In my area have to see physio before seeing a specialist even though doc believes this is a disc problem. The pain is excrutiating and have gone through the cocktails of painkillers and am waiting to try oramorph but cant as yet as im a single mum and need someone to stay with me while they play around with the dosage.

I am at my wits end as the pain is becoming unbearable and its becoming increasingly hard to look after my 6 month old. I applied for DLA 18 months ago and got knocked back, and I wondered if it was because my condition hasnt been 'named' yet.

Any thoughts?

At the moment im getting maternity allowance and when that stops (within hte next 2 weeks) i will be on incapacity benefit again.

GlasweJen

Yes you can claim without a name but i'm struggling to see which component you would qualify for. Do you need care during the day (washing, getting dressed, cooking food etc?). To get mobility you'd need to be almost completely unable to walk (higher) or need supervision outdoors to prevent harm to yourself or others (lower).

hamstercheeks_2

this may help

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/financialsupport/dg_10011731

suziewin

Hi Glaswegen,

I cannot get in and out of the bath as I cant lift my legs high enough, I cant bend or stoop if sitting to dress myself by putting socks, trousers on. I struggle getting up and down from a chair and my ankle injury makes me fall at leat once a day. Walking is agony due to my ankle and back pain. Apart from trips to the doctors im housebound as its too painful to go out.

Gemmzie

I'd have thought you didn't get it before because you hadn't had it long, they usually expect six months and to continue for a year as a minimum.

Get some advice with filling out your form, they are complicated.

GlasweJen

yes, sounds like you'd be entitled to something for that. I agree that it was probs a time issue the first time round but contact CAB or welfare rights for help with the form.

jillymit

suziewin wrote: »

my ankle injury makes me fall at leat once a day.

OMG you poor thing. The physio should able to assess you and may lend you a walking aid to help you with balance / weight bearing through that ankle. Ask you G.P to refer you to an Occupational Therapist to assess if you need any equipment at home to help you with everyday tasks.
HTH
Edit - sorry I know your post wasn't about that, I know nothing about benefits but a bit about mobility etc.

suziewin

They gave me a crutch but I cant use that when I carry my baby. I have an ankle strap but it digs into my ankle as it swells so badly. Luckily weve moved into a house that has a downstairs loo as it was a nightmare in my old house having to shuffle up and down the stairs with a baby on your knee.

moneybuster

suziewin wrote: »

Hi Glaswegen,

I cannot get in and out of the bath as I cant lift my legs high enough, I cant bend or stoop if sitting to dress myself by putting socks, trousers on. I struggle getting up and down from a chair and my ankle injury makes me fall at leat once a day. Walking is agony due to my ankle and back pain. Apart from trips to the doctors im housebound as its too painful to go out.

DLA is paid for your care and mobility needs not for a condition just put a claim in and see what happens

one word if your housebound then you will not get mobility as you cannot leave the house therfor you have no mobility needs, that is only for outside the house, if you are inside the mobility needs are disregarded

Regards Moneybuster >>>>>>HRM/MRC

suziewin

Im a bit confused by your post moneybuster - can you elaborate? Im housebound as its too painful for me to do things such as take my son for walks in the park etc. Although I would love to. My GP by his own admission says his hands are tied as the only pain relief he can offer is morphine which has side effects which would make looking after my baby impossible - and he knows im on my own. I have mobility needs inside the house as I struggle getting up from a chair, bending over to care for my son and pick him up etc.

moneybuster

Hi mobility needs within the house are disregarded the only mobility needs that are taken into account are those out side your house...so house bound = no mobility needs ..............hope this helps


Regards Moneybuster