Can I claim DLA?

Grogg

Can I try to claim even though I'm working?

I work part-time (1/2 day a week, 5 days a week) in an office job.

I have had a bad back for 25 years since I was in a road accident. As I'm getting older my back is getting worse and in the morning I struggle to get out of bed.

I rarely go to the doctor anymore, only when it's so bad that I need more of the stronger painkillers.

My doctor has refused me over the years any tests/scans as he says it doesn't matter what the problem is the treatment is the same i.e. physio, anti inflamatory painkillers.

My main problem is getting out of bed in the morning. Not everyday but when I'm having what I call my "back crisis" my OH has to help me get dressed as I can't bend to put on pants/trousers. I cannot walk for long periods, have to lift my leg into the car to drive (though I'm okay driving) and I get numbness/pain in one of my legs which is sciatica according to GP probably caused by slipped disc pressing on nerve.

I have tried working full time but sitting down all day every day makes my bad worse.

I do get days/weeks when my back is okay by my standard and I can dress myself, walk etc.

I do have a problem some days in getting to work as I have to get in early to park as there is limited parking and I need time to loosen my joints when I wake. Work won't provide me with dedicated parking unless I have a disabled parking badge but I don't feel I need a badge as somedays I can walk quite well.

dmg24

DLA will consider your care and mobility needs, as opposed to any diagnosis. How often do you have 'back crisis' periods?

Grogg

This last episode has been since last October and I would say that I will have about 1 good week in 4 at the moment.

It could suddenly improve and I would have 1 bad week in 4 for a few months until it goes the other way again. It's been like this for the 10 years or so which I think means it's age related (I'm 45).

I'm worrying that I'm going to have to stop working as it's getting to be a problem in the morning that I can't get going early enough to be able to park. Work used to give me a permit to park but has withdrawn them now for the majority of workers. I can't go by bus as its quite a long walk from the bus stop to my office.

I just don't know what I will do if I have to stop working and I'm getting quite distressed about the whole matter. I have tried talking to my boss about it but she is just says she can't help.

dmg24

As your episodes are so frequent, I think it would be a good idea to apply. However, the forms are complex, and whilst they can be completely by yourself (I did mine without help), if you are not sure, you could get help from CAB.

Most successful applications have strong supporting medical evidence. Before applying I would see your GP and ensure your records are fully up to date.

If you do decide to complete the forms yourself, feel free to PM me and I'll find you some information more specific to your condition.

cattie

If you've got good medical back up then you have nothing to lose by applying.

However, you are probably aware that with something like a bad back the dwp will want compelling evidence to verify your claim. It may be worth going to see a welfare rights advisor for help in filling out the forms.

Mojisola

Grogg wrote: »

My doctor has refused me over the years any tests/scans as he says it doesn't matter what the problem is the treatment is the same i.e. physio, anti inflamatory painkillers.

I wouldn't be satisfied with this from the GP, particularly as the problem is getting worse. Don't they have to refer you if you insist?

If you do apply, get help with the forms.

skylight

Grogg wrote: »

My doctor has refused me over the years any tests/scans as he says it doesn't matter what the problem is the treatment is the same i.e. physio, anti inflamatory painkillers.

Don't take this. Its taken my OH years telling docs and consultants that his hip hurts like hell. The first docs appointment was 8 years ago - in Apr this year, they have finally decided (after an arthroscopy in Jan) that he has ostereoarthritis and needs a new hip (which they still wont do as he is only 38, so are re-surfacing it instead).

He needs sticks to walk and I have to dress him etc. If he hadn't kept on and on at them for all these years I dread to think where we would be now. Don't take it.