ESA vent...

celinepatricia

gemma1979 wrote: »

Well I suppose that would depend on the standard of 'intelligence' concerned then wouldn't it?

Well said :T

gemma1979

celinepatricia wrote: »

Well said :T

It is truly amazing how condescending and sanctimonious some of the posters on these forums are!! Just because someone is claiming benefits (of whatever nature) does not make them a second class citizen. They truly believe that simply because they claim no benefits it somehow automatically makes them superior to someone who does and of possessing more intelligence. There are many different sets of factors and circumstances that can surround how a particular individual ends up claiming benefits that don't involve fraud, laziness or conning the taxpayer. It is all too easy to make sweeping statements and generalisations about people on benefits. But the people making such generalisations are the truly ignorant ones.

celinepatricia

I know exactly what you mean. People dont know what is in their future, just like we didnt, so I dont feel guilty that my husband claims the benefits that he is entitled to. As one poster on here keeps reminding us... i pay my taxes.. well, so do we and have done for years.

bighec

Firstly, I would say that the only people who are in position to make a decision about somebody's ESA are DWP Decision Makers and Tribunal Judges. I've read some comments about what some people feel does and does not qualify as having a limited capability for work and I really think that they are not being particularly helpful.
I thought that the whole idea behind this discussion was to give practical advise and not decide wether DWP has made the correct decision.
With regard to the medical assessment, if you feel that there are inaccuracies within it I'd advise that you make a formal complaint to ATOS healthcare who are responsible for producing the report and also highlight any discrepancies in your letter of appeal.
Out of interest does the date of the examination match the date that the report was produced/finalised which is usually at the bottom of the report?

celinepatricia

The date on the report is the same date that he went for the medical.. just dont know where this man got half his answers from, but, after reading everything on these boards and others wasnt expecting anything else.

bighec

Hi
When you read the report you will notice that a lot of the same phrases crop up, this is because they make use of a drop down menu with stock descriptions. The actual text that the doctor/nurse has entered is easy to spot as it usually has poor grammar etc. I'm afraid the overall quality of the reports is not particulary good you'll just have to focus on the inconsiatances of it as well as producing evidence from GP, Consultant etc.
The reason I asked about the date is that had there been a difference it would suggest that the report was changed prior to finalisation, this can happen as atos do a quality check on so many.
Best of luck.

hrafndot

DarkFallout wrote: »

I suppose that know you have better understanding why so many people are so nervous regarding medicals. In your case you have nothing to hide ... but there are a lot of other cases ...

I don't think it's just that. It took me 5 years and lots of unpleasant procedures to get to my (PPMS) diagnosis. I was just recovering from the shock of this diagnosis and the grief because it felt as if my life was over; and feeling the increasing disability every day.

I had the 2 medicals and I felt humiliated and demeaned by the process, and know that I have to go through the appeal process which may rebound on my DLA entitlement.

What I mean is that genuine claims can take months to go through this process. I feel that if you are not mentally robust, there is a strong chance that the blunt weapon of the ESA medical is going to be the last straw. I have heard DMG24 say elsewhere that to be open and truthful at the medical is the important thing. I think it is not that simple. I think the whole process is due to start again, next year.

I think there was an increase in the suicide rate during the Thatcher period, and I wonder how things are looking now and who will be collating the statistics.

rainbowtrout

sh1305 wrote: »

How do you know they don't have a disability? People with uncontrolable epliepsy can get a blue badge and they do look fine.

I don't think people with uncontrollable epilepsy are allowed to drive full stop.

Indie_Kid

rainbowtrout wrote: »

I don't think people with uncontrollable epilepsy are allowed to drive full stop.

What's that got to do with getting a blue badge?

Moonlight1971

I USED to work for the company which does the ESA medicals (until they decided not to renew my contract as soon as I got pregnant, funny that hmmmm) and can say that yes they will backdate a premium, and furthermore cancelled appointments are common. They tend to have a problem with no-shows, (DNAs or "Did not attends" as they call them) and so ALWAYS overbook the slots so the doctor can be sure of his/her quota of cases (they get paid per case they see). Of course if everyone with an appointment then turns up that means they have to start messing people about by cancelling/rearranging. Have had to ring people up myself with cancellations/postponement and can I tell you I got called some choice names!!

Its very common I'm afraid.