Support letter from GP

zaksmum

A friend has been getting disability benefits (not sure which ones, but she's early 40s) for fibromyalgia which is severe and has left her virtually housebound due to the pain.

She was called in for a medical and her benefit was stopped.

She's in the process of an appeal and asked her GP to supply a support letter. He did, but all the letter says is that they confirm she does have the fibromyalgia.

Would it be helpful if she got back to the GP and asked him to specify how the condition affects her everyday life to the point where she can do very little and now also suffers from depression?

Would a GP do this?

Oliver14

Depends on the GP really. Unless the GP has seen her a lot they may be unwilling to give full details of how this effects her daily life. She may be better off getting a letter from another professional (if she has any) like an OT or a Physio as they may be able to tell better how it effects her daily life.

For an illness like Fibromyalgia as it can be a little controversial it's best to get as much supporting information as possible. It may also be worth speaking to any Fibromyalgia charities as they may know from experience what is the best evidence needed for an appeal like this.

stefos

To get the doctor to elaborate these days you must cross his palms with silver unfortunately

zaksmum

stefos wrote: »

To get the doctor to elaborate these days you must cross his palms with silver unfortunately

Our GP isn't too bad that way, he's quite informal and easygoing so mightn't want paying for a support letter. I suppose you don't know till you ask!

mynameistallulah

zaksmum wrote: »

Our GP isn't too bad that way, he's quite informal and easygoing so mightn't want paying for a support letter. I suppose you don't know till you ask!

Strictly speaking, it is a private service she is asking for, so she should be aware that for a more detailed letter there may be a charge.

Makeandsave

My Gp sent ATOS a letter and they never even took it into account, Still gave me 0 points.

lindy199

im in a similar position, waiting for letter of support for my appeal and its costing £23 hope its money well spent

Anubis_2

Which benefit? ESA? Or DLA?

Does your friend use a wheelchair and is fibromyalgia the only diagnosis (apart from depression which tends to go hand in hand anyway.)

zaksmum

Anubis wrote: »

Which benefit? ESA? Or DLA?

Does your friend use a wheelchair and is fibromyalgia the only diagnosis (apart from depression which tends to go hand in hand anyway.)

I think she may get both as she has a NIL road tax disc. She doesn't use a wheelchair and yes, as far as I know, the fibromyalgia is her only diagnosed condition.