DLA panic

mitcdebb

DLA panic
Hello, I actually feel suicidal. I a degenerative back problem, spinal stenosis and ostoporosis. I'm still in terrible pain although I wear a morphine patch and a cocktail of various tablets. I cannot walk 10 metres unaided and not at all alone. My left leg is usually numb or full of pins and needles! The pain is now moving to my hip. The patch also has side effects adding to my troubles. I have various carers 24 hours a day. Last week my DLA renewal descision arrived and has been reduced from higher rate care and mobility to just low rate care...indefinatly!! I was mortified! I've also been sent back to work forms...I know the government are concentrating on people of work age and I am 47 years but feel 67!! I've asked for it to be reviewed and have all my consultants reports and MRI films. I've made so many calls to solicitors but can't find legal aid funding. I finally got through to Citizens Advice and have an app. in 2 weeks time. The benefit runs out on 18th October. My sons take me out in the mobility car they have kindly told me I can keep it while I'm still disputing the descision. I have always worked as a Bar Manager and miss it terribly. If I could give 10 years off my life to be pain free....I would. I feel somebody has sat at a desk and decided I've made a miraculous recovery over night!!! or maybe my form has been muddled up!! I cope day by day and don't dare to think ahead if I lose my appeal....

Indie_Kid

Between now and getting the appointment with CAB (can council welfare department give you one sooner) you need to get as much evidence as possible explaining care and mobility needs. An MRI film doesn't prove care or mobility needs. You also need to ask DWP for a statement of reasons - this also gives you an extra 2 weeks to appeal.

[Deleted User]

http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/

zaksmum

Did you go for a medical? Or just fill in a renewal form? Did you give any different information on the form (if you filled one in) to that which you gave on the last form? Has your condition changed at all?

Or can you think of any other reason why your case has been downgraded to lower rate care?

Please don't despair. If your condition is as bad as you say, make sure the authorities get all the relevant information and you will retain your DLA.

mitcdebb

Many thanks sh1305. I have asked my occupational therapist if she can write to them but they are not allowed!! I have the documentation for all the medical equipement they supply. I'll make more call tomorrow.

mitcdebb

Many thanks woodbine. I'll check site out. I'm new to 'forums' I hope you all get to read my replies!!

mitcdebb

Hi zacsmum, I had a medical last October for the new ESA benefit. It was decided I had 'limited capacity' for work. A couple of weeks later I recieved a letter explaining a mistake had been made and I could apply for IS again. The form wasn't any different and I explained it was getting worse! I believe they may be doing this to many 'work age' claimants going by the feedback from all the calls I've made!! Thank you for you're advice.

TOBRUK

Hi mitcdebb, don't panic, so since you received the decision letter for your award did you phone them and ask for a review or did you write to them?

What I did was write to them asking if they would consider looking at my claim again and reconsider. I explained how my illness affected me explaining why I disagreed with their decision.

On their letter they stated how they came to their decision for each component - I explained in the letter in point form the reasons I disagreed.

If you haven't already why don't you write for a reconsideration stating your reasons why you disagree with their decision, and enclose (copies) any evidence you have.

I received a letter of reconsideration within a month of writing and was successful.

I know it states on the decision letter that if you disagree you may contact them be phone or letter - I prefer a letter to a phonecall as then I have everything in black and white and I have a record.

zaksmum

mitcdebb wrote: »

Hi zacsmum, I had a medical last October for the new ESA benefit. It was decided I had 'limited capacity' for work. A couple of weeks later I recieved a letter explaining a mistake had been made and I could apply for IS again. The form wasn't any different and I explained it was getting worse! I believe they may be doing this to many 'work age' claimants going by the feedback from all the calls I've made!! Thank you for you're advice.

You need to get as much evidence as you can about your condition. Ask your GP and consultants to write saying they support your claim and why.

How did they decide you had limited capability for work...did they say how they reached that conclusion?

I hope you're feeling a bit better today. I'm sure it will all work out for you.

mitcdebb

TOBRUK thank you for your advice. I had a letter posted this morning with a mountain of copied medical reports and a very long letter! I also asked them to check the original renewal form was actually mine because the reasons on the descision letter were not based on the info and problems I stated on the form! When the rest of my evidence letters arrive I'll forward them on.

mitcdebb

ZAKSMUM..thank you again. My medical was by 2 asscessors on different days. I saw a male doctor 1st and he agreed I had many health problems. I don't think he mentioned work. Next time I saw a lady nurse. I was interviewed about my daily routine and how it affects my family ect. I think the answers you give are based on a points system. I also said how much I missed work and social life! I'll keep you posted.