DLA and Blue Badge - why do they always say no.

redleaf_2

Hello,

I have had an ongoing illness for 10 years now. I suffer from ME and some mental health issues. I am unable to work or study, and was unable to go to uni when I was younger. I cannot walk very far, suffer pain and aches, poor concentration etc. etc. etc.

Yet according to the government I am not entitled to DLA or a blue badge. The first time I attempted DLA was about 3 years ago under the advisement of a medical professional. I didn't get it. Last year I reapplied - turned down again. My condition has been worsening for about a year and a half now, so I applied again in October (under medical advisement) and got the same response. I gave them loads of people to contact, and they didn't get supporting evidence for a single one, not even my specialist. I'm taking it to tribunal now. The thing is I'm getting really down about it. I don't think it will really change anything - the constant rejection makes me wonder why I'm bothering. I got turned down for blue badge too. Basically it makes me wonder if they're right and I'm wrong. Perhaps I'm not entitled. If i'm not then it sucks - because there's no extra help for people like me.

Anyone else had this kind of experience?

cyberbob

Blue Badge wise Get supporting evidence before your application and include that with the application. Normally if you are not entitled to one via your benefits they contact your GP or specialist and make a decision on that. I know some councils have begun taking a bit of a hardline when it comes to issuing to those who don't automatically qualify. If you have a local Disability rights group it could be worth contacting them for advice

As regards DLA a lot of it is how you fill the form out. Did you appeal the decision a high proportion of those refused get granted on appeal. It may be worth speaking to someone at CAB to get help filling the form out.

jazabelle

I luckily got the Blue Badge, but I keep being turned down for DLA. I have Fibromyalgia, Hypermobility Syndrome, depression, asthma and ME.

I can barely walk, can't cook meals for myself, need help getting out of bed, need help throughout the night and need help showering and was turned down for both. (Plus loads of other things I need help with, like getting dressed and taking medication). They said I didn't fit into either category, which makes no sense.

I've put in another claim with help of a care advisor, and put loads of details on. She then told me after that the people putting loads of detail were being turned down (as if they are trying to justify why they should get DLA) and the people she thought at the time 'you're not giving me enough information, you won't get it' are then getting it!

It makes me feel so down as well, as if they don't believe how bad it is for me.

TOBRUK

Hi redleaf, I have suffered with ME for almost 14 years and 10 years ago I had to leave work on health grounds after a long struggle to keep working even after being unable to do part time (even eventually cut down to 2 hours a week) hours. I haven't been able to work since. I should point out that I do also have a disability but it didn't affect my mobility problems that came with having ME.

When I first applied for DLA I was turned down, (even though I had a report from my ME specialist!) but I did decide to go to tribunal and won, although I then received lower rate mobility. When I reapplied I was turned down again (with CAB helping with forms) but went to tribunal and won, that time I was put on high rate DLA and low care rate. Since then I have filled the forms in myself without help and have been successful every time.

I had renewal forms last September and have now been awarded DLA indefinitely. I see my GP every 6-8 weeks about the ME and she is excellent. It's only since I used my GP as one who knows how your illness affects you on the form (and they have been sending for reports from her) that I've never had a problem.

So don't give up, and if ever you get turned down (although it's very hard to stomach) always go to tribunal.

Very good luck to you

Trialia

Jazabelle... that's really weird. I have pretty much all those conditions, except bipolar disorder rather than depression and migraines rather than adding ME to my collection. And I receive LRC and HRM. It puzzles me why you don't, since you sound about as ill as I am.

jazabelle

Trialia wrote: »

Jazabelle... that's really weird. I have pretty much all those conditions, except bipolar disorder rather than depression and migraines rather than adding ME to my collection. And I receive LRC and HRM. It puzzles me why you don't, since you sound about as ill as I am.

I just don't know what I'm doing 'wrong' as it were. Well, we will see how this new claim goes, but I've tried to explain everything properly, and lay out how much help I need.

As you know with Fibro, every step is in severe pain, yet they didn't even put me on LRM! Argh! I'm glad you have got it though - it means there is some hope!

I-Owe-You

Hi OP

I cant say too much on this subject as it upsets/angers me so much.

I have been applying for a long time to my council, had OT assessments and always provided evidence from my Dr and social services regarding my disability.

My problem is that I have "good and bad" days, for which my mobility is much increased, other times my disability is incapasitating.

Unfortunately (maybe the wrong wording) but on the day of my assessment I was having quite a good day, rather than lie and exagerate my mobility I was honest and said that i could walk 20 meters that day if I was aided... unfortunately being honest didnt seem to do me any favours.

It also makes me wild that I know of people who have obtained these badges that perhaps aren't really entitled to them.

I think its just the luck of the draw who deals with your application. I have been trying for 3 years, and my illness is unfortunately degenerative.

Good luck, i hope things change for you soon.

TOBRUK

What I find a little strange and I certainly don't know how they work it (who does) but last time I was awarded HRM and LOW CARE RATE, but then out of the blue I was notified (half way through my last award) that I would receive MIDDLE CARE RATE!

This recent claim they have awarded HRM and LCR even though I am as bad now, if not worse. However, I am not intending to challenge their decision incase I lose out!

Indie_Kid

jazabelle wrote: »

As you know with Fibro, every step is in severe pain, yet they didn't even put me on LRM! Argh! I'm glad you have got it though - it means there is some hope!

LRM is based on help needed outside due to disability - ie, safety, wandering off, panic attacks, etc. It has nothing to do with ability to physically walk.

DLA is based on needs and the diagnosis is irrelevant.

jazabelle

sh1305 wrote: »

LRM is based on help needed outside due to disability - ie, safety, wandering off, panic attacks, etc. It has nothing to do with ability to physically walk.

DLA is based on needs and the diagnosis is irrelevant.

I know it's based on needs, which is why I gave a list of some of my needs!! I just put my diagnosis so people can understand where I'm coming from.

I do need someone there, I didn't put every detail on here. Also it clearly mentions severe pain on walking, so it must have something to do with it?

Invasion

OP, can you send in evidence from the people you said they could contact, instead of waiting for the DWP to ask for it?

I have ME and other health issues related to that and I get LRC, HRM, and when it comes up for renewal, if I'm still at the same level I'm at now I hope to aim for MRC as I need frequent help throughout the day.

I had 2 reconsiderations to get the rates of DLA I felt I was entitled to, first of all I received a letter saying I was entitled to nothing, told them I wanted to appeal, then got LRC, LRM on reconsideration, told them I wanted to appeal, they asked for evidence from my OT and on reconsideration got HRM, LRC. A lot of it is about phrasing etc, I have a subscription to benefits and work and it's been invaluable.