Epilipsey and ESA

Neilandrewhall

Hi Everyone,

Need URGENT help...

I used to receive ESA, but 3 weeks ago they sent me to ATOS healthcare, and then i got a letter from them yesterday saying, you are not available to get ESA as you only got 6 points.

What can I do, As it is stressing me out and causing me to have more seizures,

It's near Christmas, and I can't sign on, as Stress triggers the seizures.

Would anyone be able to help in what to write to them?

Neil

MrsManda

You need to ask for all the information used to make the decision and see about making an appeal.
What are your reasons for applying for ESA? Epilepsy simply as a diagnosis is not enough.
If you read the Work Capability Descriptors which ones do you think you meet?
The descriptors can be found by opening this document:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf

If you only got 6 points I am presuming you got them under the descriptor of:
(b) At least once a month, has an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness resulting in significantly disrupted awareness or concentration.

Do you generally have seizures more often than this?

Do you have anyone who can help you work your way through the system to reduce your stress levels?

Neilandrewhall

MrsManda, Thank you for replying back to me.. My Seizures Generally Happen about 5 times a month? I don't know anyone who could help me work my way through the system that's why I have tried to come onto here, to hopefully be able to find someone.

MrsManda

If you get 5 seizures a month does that mean you get roughly one a week? If you get them at least once a week you should receive 15 points.
You need to ask the DWP for all the information they used to make their decision. Does your GP/neurologist know how often you have seizures? Are they investigating ways of improving your seizure control?

Neilandrewhall

I am on Epilim 200mg and 500mg, for my seizures but they don't seem to help , I don't think I could cope going through the Appeal, How long does it roughly take? What also do you think is the quickest way to get Money before xmas? It don't help also I'm going in for a operation next Wednesday, So really I wouldn't be able to do much.

rogerblack

The appeal will take most of a year.
However, during this period, you will get assessment rate money, if you have said you want to appeal.

However.
If you can get a letter from your doctor, or other source that confirms you have over one seizure a week, it will possiby lead to a reconsideration of the decision, which may be much faster.

McKneff

If your medication doesnt help go back to your GP for medication that does a better job.

[Deleted User]

McKneff wrote: »

If your medication doesnt help go back to your GP for medication that does a better job.

often not that simple with epilepsy,i should know i`ve tried most of them over the last 14 years,usually more than one at a time,atm i`m on 3 different aeds(anti epilepsy drugs),in some cases meds wont stop the seizures just make them less severe or fewer(i`ve gone from as many as 10 seizures a day without meds to around 3 grand mal a week plus 4 or 5 petit mal per day

OP: one of the main factors that decide benefits for epilepsy(esa/dla)is wether or not you have any aura(warning)before your seizures,and the number of seizures you have on a weekly basis,if you said on the application that you have 5 a month then that could mean 5 in one day/5 in one week or 1 or more a week
you have a month to appeal i would suggest that for the next 2 weeks you keep a diary noting all the seizures you have and how they affect you,plus the side effects of the medication(which can be debilitating in their own right)
I would suggest you approach welfare rights or CAB for help with the appeal process and have a chat with your gp see what support/evidence they can offer,also try the link below they have helplines and free forums:
http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/

also you dont mention if you get dla?

if i can be of any further help the just ask or pm me

KxMx

McKneff wrote: »

If your medication doesnt help go back to your GP for medication that does a better job.

Have to agree with woodbine there, sadly it is not often that simple. My best mate has had severe epilepsy for 12 years and hasn't yet found a med which works for her (she has many other health problems and also just had ESA denied from her IB transfer).

[Deleted User]

KxMx wrote: »

Have to agree with woodbine there, sadly it is not often that simple. My best mate has had severe epilepsy for 12 years and hasn't yet found a med which works for her (she has many other health problems and also just had ESA denied from her IB transfer).

out of interest,do they get any warning before their seizures?and how frequent are they?and are they treated by a gp or a consultant or both?
thanks

Neilandrewhall

Hi Woodbine, Every time I have a seizure my right leg shakes, and then im out for about 10 minutes afterwards, When i com back round from my seizure, I feel tired and im also sick.. Also I do not get DLA - They said I was not eligible for it. Do you know how much the assessment rate money is? The fact that I was on ESA for a year, and they said everything was good before hand, but then took me to ATOS. They just don't want to help.