torn Patella tendon now disabled for life - what benefits.

simon1966

Currently i receive ESA work group but they say i am unfit for work for a further 18 months - now i have a new injury - torn patella tendon that will leave me with a walking disablement for life.

i live at home with elderly parents who i care for.
Should i be claiming any other benefits?
Like mobility as the car i have is manual and now i really need an automatic.

Perhaps someone can advise.

rogerblack

You cannot get DLA until you have had the injury for 3 months.
However, this relies on your walking being VERY limited, and remaining so for 6 months or more.
Can you walk 40 yards, even fairly slowly?

In addition, as I understand it, patella tendon repair is quote possible.
Is this impractical in your case?

simon1966

Basically my knee cap is not held in place at the bottom by a tendon and it can dislocate or give way at any time. I need to walk carefully with the aid of a stick or crutches and walking is very painful 40 yards would be hard :-(
Knee is very swollen and painful and will always be so and i need to take painkillers daily to reduce the pain.
At home i need to use stairlift as i cannot do stairs safely - infact it was a fall down stairs that caused this injury!!!!!!
Only just diagnosed and only suffered for about 6 weeks but it is long term and outlook is that it will get more painful as i get older.
Just really considering my options for the future, so taking advice now.
My consultant said i should be looking into my benefit entitlements because of the injury.

rogerblack

If walking is severly painful, always, even with a stick - then you are entitled to high rate mobility. (in principle). (once you meet the 3 month 'backward' test)

I would be trying to clarify why it's not possible to reattach it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bu9z9UJHDw (somewhat gory)

simon1966

reattching is not an option due to health problems.