When applying for DLA

andyandflo

dmg24 wrote: »

As you well know, DLA is based on care needs, not diagnosis.

I know it does. So on that basis providing you can describe what care and mobility needs I have, there need not be a diagnosis of a disability?
So if I tell my GP that I can't walk anywhere for any distance because of severe pain, and I have no concentration or ability to look after myself - for an illness that no one can find a reason for or what is wrong with me, I could get DLA?

That does not make any sense to me.

Indie_Kid

andyandflo wrote: »

I know it does. So on that basis providing you can describe what care and mobility needs I have, there need not be a diagnosis of a disability?
So if I tell my GP that I can't walk anywhere for any distance because of severe pain, and I have no concentration or ability to look after myself - for an illness that no one can find a reason for or what is wrong with me, I could get DLA?

That does not make any sense to me.

You'd have to prove it by way of tests - ie, you may be asked by your GP to walk so far until you're in pain or something - they wouldn't just take your word for it. I was diagnosed with a neck disorder called Torticollis. There is evidence going back 3 years that states that I'm in significant pain and activities like standing or laying in the same position for too long are painful. Before I receive my diagnosis, I saw 2 GPs and a neurologist. All of whom tried (and failed!) to get me to bring my head down to shoulder and back up again. Whilst that was possible, I couldn't bring my head back up and straighten it again (as if I was looking straight ahead) - this has been the case for the last 17 years or so.

However, you don't need to prove that you have a diagnosis. I've received a few diagnoses this year and have received DLA since 2008 because there's evidence that says that I'm partially sighted and have problems with care and mobility. (IE, dressing myself, crossing roads, etc.) During that time, I've received 2 different explanations as to why I have the level of sight loss and colour-blindness I do.

andyandflo

sh1305 wrote: »

You'd have to prove it by way of tests - ie, you may be asked by your GP to walk so far until you're in pain or something - they wouldn't just take your word for it. I was diagnosed with a neck disorder called Torticollis. There is evidence going back 3 years that states that I'm in significant pain and activities like standing or laying in the same position for too long are painful. Before I receive my diagnosis, I saw 2 GPs and a neurologist. All of whom tried (and failed!) to get me to bring my head down to shoulder and back up again. Whilst that was possible, I couldn't bring my head back up and straighten it again (as if I was looking straight ahead) - this has been the case for the last 17 years or so.

However, you don't need to prove that you have a diagnosis. I've received a few diagnoses this year and have received DLA since 2008 because there's evidence that says that I'm partially sighted and have problems with care and mobility. (IE, dressing myself, crossing roads, etc.) During that time, I've received 2 different explanations as to why I have the level of sight loss and colour-blindness I do.

I give up!! I don't stand a chance with the DWP.
I'll join the 1,000's of others that never receive what they are entitled to because the rules don't go in their favour.

I just damn well hope they don't find me a job - that will be amusing!!

Indie_Kid

andyandflo wrote: »

I give up!! I don't stand a chance with the DWP.

Whose fault is that? You won't see your GP about your mental health, yet expect to get DLA?

TOBRUK

andyandflo wrote: »

I give up!! I don't stand a chance with the DWP.
I'll join the 1,000's of others that never receive what they are entitled to because the rules don't go in their favour.

I just damn well hope they don't find me a job - that will be amusing!!

:shocked: EH?!! ... :huh: ..... Ugh! .........:wall: ......... ...... ....... :whistle: .............. Argh!! ....... :rotfl:

andyandflo

sh1305 wrote: »

Whose fault is that? You won't see your GP about your mental health, yet expect to get DLA?

No I don't expect anything! I know that I am entitled, but it is up to the DWP to decide if I am entitled to it!

I honestly don't see the point of filling in the DLA1 form, wasting all of my time and that of a very busy charity if the rules are that I MUST discuss all of my problems with my GP first.

I think this rule needs to be placed on the front of the form DLA1 and that every charity should confirm that the GP knows what is going on before anymore wasted time takes place.

If I choose not to, then it is MY fault that I don't get the benefit I hope that I am entitled to.

Where are my freedoms to choose what I do, when and with whom?

This seems very familiar territory going back to 1995 when I had no choice then if I claimed DLA!!

RecoveringAlcoholic

God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference..

Gemstar30

andyandflo wrote: »

To you all who seem to think that I am a scrounger. My illnesses/disabilities are:
Severe Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic Alcoholism
Anorexia
Varicose veins in the stomach wall that bleed into my stomach regularly
Permanent Thrombosis of the Splenic Vein.
Calcification & Necrosis of the Pancreas
Pancreatic Insufficiency
Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetes - uncontrolled
Regular weekly/monthly loss of conciousness due to Diabetes and lack of blood supply to the heart.
Loss of feeling to the feet due to Diabetes
PTSD
Altered Personality Disorder.
I won't go into the syptoms and results that this lot causes, I will leave you to read that bit up!

Hello,

I don't know where to start, or even if I should. I am fairly new on this site so I may not be the best person to give advice.
I came upon your postings and to be honest they are very confusing.
Then I noticed the list of illnesses, my God, this can't be right!
You say you are having to look for a job because you cannot claim ESA? Why? In my opinion, and I know a fair amount about medical conditions, no employer will even consider you for employment.

I too failed my ESA medical, but fortunately I have had some good advice and have the chance of asking the DWP to review my case as I have further complications.

In addition you have failed in your claim for DLA!
From what I know just by looking at one of your illnesses - Severe Chronic Pancreatitis, I know (as I have a close friend that suffers from this) that this by itself is very disabling both from a caring and mobility point of view. My friend receives both the Higher Rates of DLA and has done so since it was diagnosed 3 years ago. How long have you been suffering from it?
It is ridiculous to say that you are able to work, look after yourself or get around given that illness by itself.

I hope you don't mind me saying this, but, I would seek help.

Why has no one taken this on for you?

You clearly are not able to understand what your rights are, and in addition you have taken decisions that frankly do not seem to be logical. I have just seen your posting about the loss of your home.
For goodness sake, you are not in a fit state to take on these problems.

I am very surprised and shocked at some of the comments I have seen people on here, make. I personally don't think that you have the mental capacity to do what you are doing or have done. I am sorry if that sounds like I am critising you - I am not, I wish I could help you.

It is wrong that this country should allow two senior citizens to get themselves into this situation.

As I said at the start - I am not best to give advice, but please seek help, I am fearful of what may happen next.

Thank you

Gemma
x

pipkin71

sh1305 wrote: »

I got told last week that I have small tears in my neck muscles - there is nothing that will cure this and all the problems that come with the tears and weakened muscles.

Partial or complete tears?

Tears can heal themselves and there are also things you can do to help with the healing process.

Please don't view muscle tears as a lifelong hinderance, although very painful when they occur. From experience, they can heal, so I would respectfully suggest you seek another opinion on the 'nothing can cure this' advice

pipkin71

andyandflo wrote: »

All I will say to end this is that the time should come sooner rather than later that ATOS should be soley responsible for medical assessment for DLA, AA & ESA. The running round for evidence from doctors etc to prove otherwise should not be allowed. Their decision is final then we will all have a fair chance with no inequalities dependant on the quality of other outside evidence.
Until that time comes I will wait or top myself first!

The trouble with that, Andy, is that, if someone like ATOS are solely responsible for deciding who gets DLA, without the running around to seek evidence from doctors ect, is that they could award a very good actor / actress, DLA based on how they see them at the appointment, when, in actual fact, there is nothing wrong with them.

The decision makers need to seek hard evidence, to ensure genuine claimants receive the benefits. That's not to say you are now a genuine claimant, I wouldn't suggest that, but, without evidence, how can the decision maker be sure of who is - or isn't - being truthful?