i got phone call 6.30 this evening i have to attend a dhss medical

seven-day-weekend

My husband had an medical for IB in January 2005. He suffers from depression, anxiety and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. He was terribly nervous and fearful to the extent that he was sweating, stammering and couldn't open the door. He was so worried about it. I just said to him not to worry, just to tell the truth but don't minimise, they'd see with his answers from the questionnaire and his medical history that he was telling the truth. He's suffered from the depression/anxiety since 1980, and the IBS since around 1995, but tried to keep at work all this time (with several sizeable chunks of sick leave and two nervous breakdowns) but things eventually got all too much for him to continue as a Teacher and he took early retirement in 2004.

Anyway, all went well and he was sent a letter saying he'd met the level of incapacity and that his case would come up for another review on July 27, 2006. It also said he mayhave to fill in another questionnaire and he mayhave to attend another medical. Which also seems to suggest he may not.

As you may have noticed, the date for his review is only a few weeks away. Does anyone know whether there is any pattern as to whether he will get called again or not, or is it just random? Will his age make any difference (he is 57)?

Thanks in advance for your help.

seven-day-weekend

sorry,, my above post should say he's suffered from depression since 1990, not 1980.

lil_me

Age has no effect on medicals. All are assessed in the same way. They usually send the forms first and depending whats on them and in other evidence they request will depend if they ask for him to attend a medical. I do know of people ringing in advance for forms to get it out of the way.

Hope everything goes ok for you.


Just something else to add with medicals. If for whatever reason transport is an issue you can request a taxi. A medical person will look at notes and reason given as to why you need transport and make a decision of if they can/can't provide transport, but they are usually good with this in my area. It is also a common question on medical of how did you get here.

seven-day-weekend

Thanks lil_me for your answer...is there a chance he won't be sent a questionaire or called for medical or is it automatic in a review?

Also, we now live in Spain because it is a quieter pace of life (The IB people do know about this). If they want him to see a Doctor, will he have to see one in Spain or here? He'd rather see one in the UK because of the language problem and we're coming back for a week in September, do you think they will let him see one then?

Sorry to ask so many questions!

seven-day-weekend

The above post should say '...in Spain or the UK?'

hjb123

So does he still get benefits from britain even though you live in spain?

seven-day-weekend

Yes, IB is one of the Benefits you can still get (there are others). I suppose it doesn't matter where you live if you are judged too ill to go to work. Our claim is dealt with by the Non-Residents Section,

seven-day-weekend

However, if his IB stops, he won't be entitled to another benefit!

hjb123

Right. I think that your husband will have to fit in and/or do whatever the DWP tells him with the doctors - and if he doesnt the benefits may be stopped. I would of thought that they will have procedures in place for people who now live abroad - and will probably be to see your doctor out there!

seven-day-weekend

He will do whatever they say,....but we would prefer him to see a Doctor in England in September! Have to wait and see I suppose!

Thanks all for your replies.