DSA claim evidence required

ChemPixie

Hi All,

I'm not sure if this thread should be in student finance or the Disability section so please feel free to move it if necessary.

I am currently in the process of applying for DSA (disabled student allowance) as I sufffer from probable sero-negative inflammatory arthritis....That is to say I have all of the symptoms but my blood results don't show anything dramatically wrong. It is for this reason that my diagnosis process is taking so long ( 2years +).

This lack of a firm diagnosis from the medical profession puts me in a very difficult situation for claiming DSA as they require "evidence". Does anyone know whether this has to be a firm diagnosis or just a confirmation of need? I really struggle with mobility and fatigue, not to mention constantly being in pain and being unable to write for prolongued periods. I really need this money to help buy a laptop etc. so that I'm not too disadvantaged when my course starts in September.

The problem is that DSA say they need MORE evidence, but I sent them everything I have from my Rheumatologist. The letters I have talk about starting disease modifying drugs within the next few month and that they're waiting for an MRI scan before giving an official diagnosis. I really dont know what more "evidence" DSA want, apart from a firm diagnosis which I can't give them!

The next problem occurs with actually trying to contacts the f*!?ers. They do not have a direct contact number to talk to someone. I have emailed them 4 days ago, called student finance to be repeatedly told they have no conatct with their DSA team and that I need to keep emailing. I've called the number on some other thread of this forum to be told that this is a practitioners only number and that they wont talk to me. How on earth can I be expected to give them the evidence they need when they won't tell me what that is or talk to me to find out?:mad:

Please, please, please can someone give me some advice or help.
I've tried everything I can think of and waiting for them to get back in touch with me doesn't feel like the solution the student finance team tell me!

yenool

Have they told you exactly what evidence you need? I'm also in the process of applying and I simply provided a GP's letter which confirmed I was a patient, gave a date / history of the problems, the diagnosis and list of current medications. They accepted that and I have now been booked in for a needs assessment.

I'm guessing they want the name of the disease or disorder you have, perhaps your GP can help?

Taiko

Ok, firstly, you will need a firm diagnosis for DSA. It needs to be formally diagnosed, and detailed how it would affect your ability to study. This would be why nothing has been agreed, and I would have assessed it the same as they seem to have.

There is a direct contact number for DSA queries, and that is 01325 215194. They should help, just have your reference number to hand.

ChemPixie

I do not have a firm diagnosis yet. That is my problem. My Rheumatologist is 90% certain of what I have (sero-negative arthritis), but there are so many types of inflammatory arthritis that the diagnosis process takes a long time.

Why do DSA need a firm diagnosis? For all other similar claims, i.e. Disability living allowance, proof of the need for assistance is enough. Anyone who assessed me would see that I have real difficulties with many things...all of which funnily enough are common for arthritis sufferers.

I went to see my GP this morning, and she told me that she couldn't provide any more information than was already available to them from my Rheumatologist. She suggested that I try to discuss it with one of their health care representatives.

Also, I tried calling that number and was told it was for professionals only and that they couldn't talk to me.

Elle7

I had the same problem. I had to wait until I got a diagnosis in the end - I sent numerous amounts of evidence, but it does rely on you having a diagnosis.

They need to inform the assessor, so they can read up on your condition, and the decision maker needs to know what equipment is usually awarded to someone with your problems.

I wouldn't rely on being offered a laptop, they are supposed to be cracking down on this, and preferring to offer recording or dictation devices.

Taiko

From the DSA Guidance:

1. Students who are physically disabled, or have a mental-health condition, will need to provide medical evidence of their condition, such as a letter from their doctor or an appropriate specialist. Medical evidence should state the nature of the student’s disability and ideally should also briefly explain how the student is affected by the disability. Students with a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia will need to provide evidence of this in the form of a diagnostic assessment from a psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher (see paragraphs 102-109). However, any cost a student incurs obtaining the necessary expert evidence or opinion cannot be met from the DSAs. This is because such costs are not incurred by the student to attend or undertake their course; they are incurred to substantiate their claim for DSAs. However, students might be able to receive assistance with such costs from their institution’s Access to Learning Fund.
2. Cases may arise where the evidence that the student has a disability is deemed unsatisfactory. In such cases, the student should be invited to provide further evidence, perhaps in the form of a diagnosis undertaken by a body or another acceptable person. In making such an invitation, it is important that its made clear to the student that they will normally be liable to meet the cost of providing the necessary evidence. Students can, however, apply for help with such costs from their institutions Access to Learning Fund.

SFE have claimed that, as your evidence does not provide a formal diagnosis, it's not acceptable for DSA support. They can request this, as there's a section that also states:

The DSAs are not intended to provide assistance to members of the general student population who suffer temporary illness or injury. Assisting such students would properly be the responsibility of HEIs

If there is no diagnosis, they cannot come to a conclusion on the nature of what is wrong. I would say in this case, SFE are following the correct procedure.

ChemPixie

I DO have a letter stating the fact that I have a disability that that it affects how far I can walk etc.....it just doesn't have a name as it is part of the diagnosis process.

I do not dispute the fact that they may be following some guidelines....just that I do not seem to fit neatly into them and I am therefore going to be severely disadvantaged during my course. The DSA exist to provide a service for those in need.

If you were to ask any of the health care professional if I may need assistance, they would say yes. Why do I need to have a name for what is wrong with me? I didn't realise I had to fit my health around the correct pidgeon holes!

Taiko

If you want something from someone, for free, you'll need to meet their criteria for it. At the moment, you do not. If you feel it is hindering you, I would suggest contacting your university in the meantime, as they do have to assist you under the DDA.

yenool

ChemPixie wrote: »

I do not have a firm diagnosis yet. That is my problem. My Rheumatologist is 90% certain of what I have (sero-negative arthritis), but there are so many types of inflammatory arthritis that the diagnosis process takes a long time.

Why do DSA need a firm diagnosis? For all other similar claims, i.e. Disability living allowance, proof of the need for assistance is enough. Anyone who assessed me would see that I have real difficulties with many things...all of which funnily enough are common for arthritis sufferers.

I went to see my GP this morning, and she told me that she couldn't provide any more information than was already available to them from my Rheumatologist. She suggested that I try to discuss it with one of their health care representatives.

Also, I tried calling that number and was told it was for professionals only and that they couldn't talk to me.

Obviously there are many types and even with a good rheumy Dr it can be difficult to pin down exactly what is going on, so I would have thought a letter with a diagnosis of 'inflammatory arthritis' would be acceptable. I mean I'm no expert, but I believe I am correct in saying that there is a lot of symptom overlap between the various types of inflammatory arthritis and it is also very common for young people to have it, so you would have thought the DSA people would have a little understanding.

Again, I would be tempted to approach your GP (assuming you have a good one / relationship) and explain the situation, see if they can do a letter giving the diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis and outlining the symptoms you suffer. - You should be aware that they may charge - I was charged £20 for my letter.

If they keep messing you about like this then you could probably claim the DSA on the basis of stress and anxiety!