Is this one of the descriptors for ESA?

Gemini15

Hi everyone,

could anyone please tell me if Loss of Consciousness or Awareness one of the descriptors to get into the Support Group of ESA?

GlasweJen

No, if you lose conciousness 2 or more times a week you get 15 points but you'd still get put in the work related group.

rogerblack

It's 'at least once a week' for 15 points, once a month for 6.
I note that there has been a recent decision that says 'an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness resulting in significantly disrupted awareness or concentration' cannot be taken to mean you must be 'incapable of any deliberate act'.

On the support group criteria. Loss of concsiousness alone does not qualify you.
If you lose control of your bowels or bladder at these times, it will.

Other than that, there are possibilities for the 'coping with social engagenment' descriptor for the support group, and 'awareness of hazard'.

In addition to the usual entry to either group - 'would put any persons health significantly at risk if were found not to'...

GlasweJen

Youre right Rodger. I had my head in the DLA requirement that in order to have significant care needs you'd usually need to have an episode of altered conciousness more than once per week.

rogerblack

GlasweJen wrote: »

Youre right Rodger. I had my head in the DLA requirement that in order to have significant care needs you'd usually need to have an episode of altered conciousness more than once per week.

I seem to have totally missed that criteria.
Guess something else to write to the tribunal with, and research more.

(DLA tribunal Nov 22)

(same argument as ESA, that severe fatigue brought on by ME/CFS is 'altered consciousnes').

Thanks!

GlasweJen

I had bother convincing them that absence epilepsy was altered conciousness, mind you this was years ago for a client.

Good luck with your tribunal, if you have a statement from ESA saying that they consider your fatigue to be altered conciousness then make sure they have that bit highlighted. Also always end on a care need so if they ask you how it affects you always keep the answer relevant to the DLA form.

jasonwatkins

GlasweJen wrote: »

No, if you lose conciousness 2 or more times a week you get 15 points but you'd still get put in the work related group.

I lose consciousness at least twice a day due to my sleep apnea but i've just got my letter from the DWP regarding my failed ESA assessment and they've completely ignored it.

Scored zero points on the whole thing.

GlasweJen

Appeal Jason! Get the appeal form and get it back to them ASAP. Is your doctor aware of your losses of conciousness?

jasonwatkins

GlasweJen wrote: »

Appeal Jason! Get the appeal form and get it back to them ASAP. Is your doctor aware of your losses of conciousness?

I said to the woman who rang me from the DWP that I would appeal and i've got a little pre-typed, photocopied "As you have indicated you may wish to appeal..".

I saw my GP yesterday who gave me a "fit note" for 3 months and i've just spoken to the contact I was given at the local C.A.B. who's booked me in for 3pm on Monday to see him regarding the initial stages.

When I told him i'd scored zero points he really wasn't remotely surprised. I even told the ESA assessor that I had been called back to the Royal Brompton Hospital on Sunday for another sleep study (which I have..) because the Apnea was still a problem.

Although I know it's hugely inappropriate but he was a german gentleman and, genuinely, his name was "Herman". See why that makes me smile .. heh

GlasweJen

One of the girls I used to work with has sleep apnea, she used a machine at night which helped her loads but when she took I'll she was seriously sick

jasonwatkins

I'm currently on my 4th CPAP machine. I couldn't tolerate the first 3 for various reasons. The 4th one initially had some decent results and I felt slightly better but as time went on, i just found things slowly getting back to "normal" - falling asleep, tiredness, fatigue, e.t.c..