DLA decision unsuccesful not sure what to do now

mum2one

From memory, when I had problems 3 yrs ago, I got turned down, I asked for an independant doctor from them, btu they only use their gp service when they want to in the 1st instance. I was told to get the information together myself to appeal.

I dont know whether that link i gave you before would be able to help, I know they only have limited information for free but may be worth a look.

Lady_K

I feel so stupid I phoned the dla again and spoke to a lady, she took my ni number and said she could see its gone in for reconsideration but I explained about my doctor and that I dont go to see her and some of the reasons why and why she does not know about some of my problems plus she is not aware of some my care needs. She asked what my conditions were and I was telling her and I just felt myself getting upset and I tried to hold it back as she was talking herself but I couldnt, then I started to cry trying to explain things to her about everything. I felt awful because I didnt want to do that because it could look like I'm laying it on and it was the last thing I expected to do. She said she will take note of what I've told her and see what they can do, she said it does ultimately lie with the decision maker but she will do what she can to get me some help. She suggested perhaps it would be better for me to see one of their own gps as they might get a better idea. I told her I didnt mind that at all, she also said as I have 2 hospital appointments next week they could probably get more up to date info seeing as I havent been for over a year because of my problems going out and everything. She is apparently the team leader but I dont know if she is a decision maker herself but she gave me her full name and team number if I want to ask her anything. I feel so stupid she was probably genuinely caring and meant well bless her but it doesnt mean she will be able to do anything as she said its up to the decision maker but if I get a medical exam from them at least it will be something to prove what my doctor cant. I'm not holding out much hope though I just feel so dreadfull for making such a fool of myself its completely against my nature to do that. She did not say for definite that I would get a doctors vist but that she thought it would help in my situation and she would try for this.

covlass

No need to feel stupid, i understand having been through it just how upsetting it can be. When you go for your appoints expalin that you are appealing against DLA and if possible could you have copies of the paper work. On the plus side at least you will be able to speak to the same person from DLA as you have her name. Keep strong x

Lady_K

Thankyou covlass

The thing that is most bothering me today is that I feel like no one really realizes the problems I have, like my gp I feel quite upset that she can be so unaware of the things that affect me and she didnt even think about how it is posible for me to manage things. I feel like no one cares, I know some do though like my children. I don't ask for help which makes things harder, I try to do everything myself and now when I have asked for help I feel like my problems are not even aknowledged by the people that should be there to help me, I mean my gp not even the dla because gps are supposed to do that arent they. Even though I don't go to the gp hardly at all I still have obvious disabilities that she doesnt even think twice about. I feel let down in a way because shes like saying to me she doesnt think I need help really by putting what she has or that she is so uncaring not to take the time to think and care and know about me

Lady_K

When it gets reconsidered is it looked at by a different decision maker? The man from a different welfare rights said they will come back with the same decision because thats what they always do and it always goes to appeal

purplecatlover

yes it is looked at by a different dm. sound slike the welfare rights officer in your area is rubbish, i seriously would try cab (citizens advice bureau) instead. they are not limited to welfare and benefits advice but have experience and knowledge about them.

covlass

Reemeber that the DM can only make a decision based on the claim/evidence that they have. So if you manage to get anything in writting supporting you claim send it off recorded delivery and put your ref number on each piece. IF you end up having to take it to tribunal make sure you opt for a oral hearing.

My case if different from yours but I noted that the form they sent to my GP when i first claimed had no relievence to my daughters disabilities, I cant stess enough to get as much evidence as possible to support your claim.
x

Lady_K

purplecatlover wrote: »

yes it is looked at by a different dm. sound slike the welfare rights officer in your area is rubbish, i seriously would try cab (citizens advice bureau) instead. they are not limited to welfare and benefits advice but have experience and knowledge about them.

Yes I tried today but they are only open 10am-1pm Mondays and Fridays so I will have to try again on Friday but as they are only open for such a short just 2 days a week I know from experience that getting through to them is almost impossible unfortunately, I cant really rely on getting through to them

Lady_K

covlass wrote: »

Reemeber that the DM can only make a decision based on the claim/evidence that they have. So if you manage to get anything in writting supporting you claim send it off recorded delivery and put your ref number on each piece. IF you end up having to take it to tribunal make sure you opt for a oral hearing.

My case if different from yours but I noted that the form they sent to my GP when i first claimed had no relievence to my daughters disabilities, I cant stess enough to get as much evidence as possible to support your claim.
x

I'll try next week at the hospital appointments but I did ask and it just seems they only fill in for dla. I was told they are not allowed to by hospital themselves I think its all money related as they get paid to fill in forms for dla. I will try while I'm there though

I am going to ring dla again tomorrow to make sure they have added that info I told them today to my notes. I would have felt better being able to put it in writing myself though it seems I'm not able to do that, perhaps if I would have wrote to them rather than phone it would have been better? I feel that I'm having to leave uit in thier hands rather than explain myself.

How long should it take to recieve a copy of the gp report? and how long does it usually take for them to do a reconsideration?

By the way I sent of my ib50 form yesterday and I suppose they will get a similar form from my doctor for that too so looks like the whole things a mess

lilwatchergirl

Lady_K wrote: »

The man from a different welfare rights said they will come back with the same decision because thats what they always do and it always goes to appeal

No - I know people who've had it awarded when it got reconsidered. The DWP can get into trouble if a case makes it to tribunal when it *obviously* should have been awarded in the beginning, so they do take the reconsiderations seriously.

Remember that there's a good success rate at DLA appeals. I went from low rate care to high rate care in my appeal. Just getting to put things in your own words really helps. Plus they get to see you & the problems you're having with walking etc. It's hard for them to ignore these things when they're right in front of them.

Best of luck with it.