Dla forms - describing a childs extra needs with epilepsy

charm1

I actually printed off a couple of copies a few weeks back so I perhaps could use them. I registered on uk gov site so I think i can use that as the final paper, I think I still need to print it off after completing it and sign then post. I actually rang Charlies G.P today and told him that I was sending a claim in, He said that they dont usually request additional reports from g.ps or consutants/teachers e.t.c, unless the answers do not explain in enough detail, or do not relate to the to what there guide lines suggest. our g.p seems to have confidence in me filling this nightmare of a form out, lets see ah!!!!! My son also has restricted occular motility and a convergent squint with slightly reduced vision in right eye due to a dermoid cyst that was left behind after major surgery. right orbitotomy removal of side of the of the orbit (skull) and excision of some of the cyst, part that has been left is too close to optical nerve, too much risk of irrepairable` damage (blindness) if removed it? it is possible that if charlie received trauma to his head it could disrubt the cyst causing it to burst leading to lots of additional problems, would this come under the partially sighted question i wasnt sure if i should tick it or not?? what do you think?

munchings-n-crunchings

Hi Charm1,

If in doubt, include it.
The effect may not be enough to make a significant difference to the claim, but it just adds to the overall care needs.

It is really good to do a rough copy first. I always remember things, just as I though I had finished, and it helps to have everything in an ordered manner.

Keep a copy of your finished application.
The DWP may contact you to verify a point, and you can refer to what you have written. You can also use it as the basis of a renewal application.
An post back by recorded delivery, it acts of proof of sending, should your form go astray.

I see that you've mentioned to your GP about the application, that's really good.
I always write a letter to my children's GP and Consultant, just outlining all the issues that are happening, and what the problems are at the moment.
Often in a short consultation, you don't have the chance to cover everything.
If the DWP do write, then they have full and up to date information to hand.
I couldn't see how old your son is, but if he is of school age, they often write to school, as the child spends much of their time there.

Regards

Munchie

charm1

Hi,
Charlie was 10 this february just gone. Before the school broke up I asked for a letter to be written by his teacher, she has been with him when he has been having seizures. she stated in the letter what he was like before durin and after. also states that he has had too miss a fair amount of school due to doctors visits, hospital appts. added in her letter was how Charlie suffers headaches and is tired a lot of the time making it difficult for him to concentrate and give his attention at times....
what else do i need., do u think????
:T

[Deleted User]

Looks like you are getting there,and I cant think of anything else atm,i would be confident that charlie will get DLA possibly mrc and lrm(arond £70 per week),i wish you and charlie well and will keep my fingers crossed,perhaps you would let us know the outcome?

charm1

of course we will,
your help has been great, it makes everything clearer.
will let you know when forms are sent!!!!!!

thanks
charm1
:T:T

skipsmum

Hi,
DSs was dropped from full rate care & mob to full rate care and low rate mob a couple of years ago. He has other care needs besides the fits (heart problem and autism/adhd) and as he has got older the effect on his mobility has been less.
He gets the high rate care because he has frequent fits at night and needs help to keep safe during them and to get clean afterwards. By frequent I mean we have never ever had a fit-free night, and at the moment average about 2-3 a night.
If your ds fits at night you need to make that clear because that seems to be the difference between the middle and the high rate of care.
xxx

charm1

skipsmum wrote: »

Hi,
DSs was dropped from full rate care & mob to full rate care and low rate mob a couple of years ago. He has other care needs besides the fits (heart problem and autism/adhd) and as he has got older the effect on his mobility has been less.
He gets the high rate care because he has frequent fits at night and needs help to keep safe during them and to get clean afterwards. By frequent I mean we have never ever had a fit-free night, and at the moment average about 2-3 a night.
If your ds fits at night you need to make that clear because that seems to be the difference between the middle and the high rate of care.
xxx

I did thinnk that was the case, my son has had a approx 6 night time seizure this year, although this does cause him to go off on a wander oblivious to anything, I try to guide him back to bed sometimes it worked sometimes not. I will put this and they make the decisions based on facts we give and research of their own, so we will see. i bet you notice the difference of the few full nights sleep you are havibg, I hope it keeps up for you both..... x x x

boo304

Hi,

Sorry it's taken a while to reply!

I would tick the yes box to say that your son can walk, bath etc, but then in the boxes below put the reasons why he needs extra help that other children of his age do not need, ie what you said abot him not being able to walk when he is having a seizure. Don't worry about filling it in, I think with me it was the thought of starting it that put me off. Once I got going with it it didn't seem as bad!!

Yes, he is on the autistic spectrum, but that wasn't diagnosed when we first claimed DLA, so we got the DLA purely for the epilepsy.

[Deleted User]

Only just spotted this one, if you are still doing the forms Cebra do a realy good guide for claiming DLA for children with neurological conditions, including epilepsy. http://www.cerebra.org.uk/

charm1

update on dla app,

sent app forms off 29/07
just got letter today saying they have requested more info from gp..
dont know if this is good or bad but im sure i will soon find out..