ESA Appeal Tribunal next week

pinkfluffythings

Not sure if I should have posted this here or on the Disability & Dosh board so please move if in wrong place.

I have my medical next week, as I am in NI it might be slightly different from English Tribunals.
I am absolutely terrified about this. My medical was a pure joke, scored 6 points on the mental section but its my physical problems that are my main issue which I scored 0. Joke!
I have now (after medical) been diagnosed with Fibro my a Rheumatologist and possibly sero negative inflammatory arthritis, also anxitiy and depression. I find everything a challenge now to be honest, now my new medication is making me a zombie and I'm a danger to myself with the sleepiness so my OH and lovely Mummy are looking after me.

I am taking a letter from the Rheumatologist and also my GP (who has been fantastic) is writing a letter stating that I am unable to dress myself, walk short distances without stopping and or sitting because of pain, confusion, panic attacks ......

Mum and my OH are taking me and coming in with me, I wish it was this week to get it over and done with.
I am a bundle of nerves, the worry of it is making me actually feel worse. ESA is the only money coming into the house so losing this tribunal would be devastating as we live fortnight to fortnight. My OH can't work now due to looking after me, I think when all this is over we will apply for DLA and carers allowance.

My forgetfulness and confusion has set in as I have forgot what my question was now :rotfl:

Is there anything else I could take with me?
Thank you all xxx

dmg24

Have you prepared a statement as to how you meet the ESA descriptors?

One thing to be aware of is that you need to refer to your condition at the time of the original decision, not now.

cit_k

Yes, the tribunal is not interested in anything diagnosed after the time of the decision.

They are only their to look at how you were when the decision was made.

Any letter from a GP etc stating how you are now would be useless as evidence as far as I can see, it would have to relate to how you were then.

pinkfluffythings

Thank you both for your replies.

The Doctors letter is going to state that the symptoms of my illness has been the same for months so maybe they will take that into consideration.

DMG24 you mentioned a statement as to how you meet the ESA descriptors, can you tell me what that is, sorry to be thick (going to blame the tablets) Will I read this out or will it be a letter for them to read? Many thanks

sunnyone

your lucky, they dont use ATOS in NI!

pinkfluffythings

sunnyone wrote: »

your lucky, they dont use ATOS in NI!

I know, I'm thankful as I've heard how horrible they are

atrixblue.-MFR-.

the tribunal can only take into account what you put in your claim form and upto date of appeal submision anything after that is "after the fact" an cant be counted. how soon after the medical was you diagnosed and did you "update" esa with these conditions.

we all know that dignosis isnt really what they look for but the inability to work due to care and mobilty and thus be entered into support group esa.

preparation is key with tribunals, statements to take on the day to give to the clark from health proffesionals if you have it and those who know you best knowing how your condition affects you ability to do day to day things in care and mobilty. (i know this isnt a DLA claim) you have to think of this as much like DLA, as in they have to decide how mentally and physically impaired you are as so not to work and rquire to be in the support group.

Indie_Kid

victoria_p wrote: »

DMG24 you mentioned a statement as to how you meet the ESA descriptors, can you tell me what that is, sorry to be thick (going to blame the tablets) Will I read this out or will it be a letter for them to read? Many thanks

I think DMG means things like, there are descriptors related to walking. Can you do all those? if not, a statement needs to be written for this. Ditto to all other relevant descriptors.

poet123

http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/wr_esadescriptorshome

This link may be useful.

pinkfluffythings

Thank you all for your help, I have everything ready and I am so nervous it is unreal.

I will let you know what the outcome is, hopefully a good one!