DLA and M.E/CFS

andrew71

We have applied for DLA for the second time.
(we applied last year but we were turned down) We reapplied again this year because some days are much worse than others for me.
I have got a Doctor coming round on Friday to assess me. I am not looking for any tips because I believe in telling the truth. (I have problems with my legs and have trouble walking or standing for a time)
Anybody on here have M.E/CFS, who are claiming DLA? Did you have to persevere to claim it? How do the DLA see M.E/CFS? Do they see it as disability to claim for? I had to claim for a disabilty badge for our car because of my legs, should I mention this to the doctor?

singlehouseholder

I think with DLA, you have to imagine you are having your worst day, and that is what the DLA Unit need to know. Everyone has good days and bad, regardless of your condition. Its not a case of lying, you just have to be totally honest about how bad you are when your condition is at its worst.
Good Luck!! I'm in process of claiming DLA myself, but won't hold my breath!

hjb123

I have ME/CFS but dont claim DLA. There are quite a few threads on here about ME/CFS claimants - try doing a seach - there will be plenty willing to help/advise I am sure!

Have you got some help from someone like the Citizens Advice Bureau? I went to my local one and they had an ME Support worker who helped me with my appeal for Incapacity Benefit. Another option would be - if you havent already done it - to contact your local ME group, people in that will most certainlly be able to advise you and tell you what to expect in your local area.

Another thing have you tried the foogyfriends website that is for sufferers of ME/CFS?

Ted_Hutchinson

I think more people with ME/CFS have problems being awarded DLA than almost any other category. It follows that even if you explain your care/mobility needs precisely in respect of the ways the current criteria are set out, it is likely you will have to follow up the refusal to award with attending personally at a tribunal appeal hearing.
Even appeals aren't a certainty for awards but providing you have medical evidence to support the diagnosis then you are much more likely to be believed at an appeal than by the Medical Services doctor.

My condition PPS presents similar symptoms regarding standing/walking but because the Medical Services doctor was able to see and measure my muscle wastage, rather than simply having to rely on my/and my partners claims it was easier for me.

It would perhaps be helpful if you had a diary/log/record of the way your walking is affected so you can establish that you cannot rely on the ability to walk nor can you predict the distance are able to manage. It may be useful if you could identify from your door a point say around 25mts or so which marked the limit of your usual endurance for a round trip. If you could say for instance it's xmts to the Summer house (bottom of the garden, post box, garage, shed etc) and most days I can't make it but if I do feel able to make that distance I then need to sit/rest/recuperate for xtime, before negotiating the return. If you know what your limitations are and are able to detail this precisely you are less likely to be deliberately misunderstood.
Best to have someone with you for the assessment, to supplement the details you provide and to double check that the part of the form you are required to sign is a fair summary of your claims.
The fact that you already have a blue badge is evidence you've the support of your GP/health professionals so make sure this is known to the assessing doctor. Having copies of any scans/reports etc readily available, in sight, although probably won't be requested and probably won't be looked at will enable you and your partner to come over with that air of assertiveness that carries conviction.

cher31e

I agree with the reply,make it your worst day,
I applied twice,on the 3rd time i have finally got it, but i thank the https://www.cerebra.org.uk for the booklet and help they gave me.
They break every question down,therefore making you write everything that happens to you in an average day and you do answer it like every day is your worst day.
It is very hard to fill these forms in, and i had to write lots of extras,and in the end i wrote at least an extra 25pages A4 ,of notes.
Explaining everything.
They need to know everything you go through, all through the day.
But please check out the site it has an awful lot of help on there and i wish you well

wolfehouse

i helped someone with me appeal for dla (he was successful). they were keen to have statements from health professionals and also that he have seen a psychologist for cognative behavioural therapy before they would award. (his legs would give out rather suddenly and alarmingly).
it is always a good idea to get help with the forms from either your local council welfare rights representative or citizens advice and if unsuccesful appeal.