WRAG group but want to appeal - advice please.

abmoll

After being in the support group for the last 6 months I have now been moved(after recent medical) to WRAG. My condition hasn't changed for the better, it has actually worsened. It is only over the last few weeks I have known anything about descriptors, foolishly naive
I have just received my medical report but can see no mention of the points I received, nothing on my decision letter either. Where will I find this information please?
I would like to appeal on the grounds that
1)due to bladder weakness I suffer with a degree of incontinence, I have to change x 2 a day - this is mentioned in my medical report.
2)I cannot sit longer than 15 minutes - it was noted in my report that I stood in the waiting room and am unable to sit for longer than 15 minutes due to numbness and pain.
3)Medication side effects - I wasn't asked this question but the reports says none!
4) I travelled by car which took 30 minutes. I had to stop x 2 on this journey, once to stand and the other to put myself clean - both I told the doctor but all that is reported is that I travelled 30 mins by car.
There are several other discrepancies but probably none that would alter the decision

To appeal do I fill in form GL24 or ring them and ask them to look at it again?
Would I have to go to a hearing as I don't think I could do that
Any help is appreciated, thank you

abmoll

I forgot
Prognosis
I advise a return to work is unlikely for at least 2 years

reasons given
The evidence suggests improvement is unlikely in the longer term

rogerblack

The medical report will not have points.
This will be in the decisionamkers score sheet.
However.
Look for bits on the report like

Coping with change Activity 14
_

---

CCc cannot cope with minor unplanned change...

This means that in the hcp's opinion, you meet the 'coping with change' descriptor part c.
Looking up this in the descriptors, you find this is worth 6 points.

You can only appeal in writing.
Your chances if you turn up at a hearing are much better than if you ak for it to be heard by the tribunal on the papers.

abmoll

rogerblack wrote: »

The medical report will not have points.
This will be in the decisionamkers score sheet.
However.
Look for bits on the report like


This means that in the hcp's opinion, you meet the 'coping with change' descriptor part c.
Looking up this in the descriptors, you find this is worth 6 points.

You can only appeal in writing.
Your chances if you turn up at a hearing are much better than if you ak for it to be heard by the tribunal on the papers.

Thanks for replying
I have found
Sb - 9 points
Ca - 15 points
When I appeal can I request a tribunal?
Also will my money stop after a set time in WRAG
I currently claim contribution based employment and support allowance whatever that means.
How on earth I am going to manage my personal adviser app next week, I can only sit for max 15 mins

abmoll

I'm understanding this a bit better now
I have read the descriptors for the support group and my understanding is that I can appeal on
Absence or loss of control over extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or bladder, other than enuresis (bed-wetting) despite the presence of any aids or adaptations normally used.
(a) At least once a week experiences
(i) loss of control leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or voiding of the bladder; or
(ii) substantial leakage of the contents of a collecting device;
sufficient to require cleaning and a change in clothing.

Muttleythefrog

abmoll wrote: »

Thanks for replying
I have found
Sb - 9 points
Ca - 15 points
When I appeal can I request a tribunal?
Also will my money stop after a set time in WRAG
I currently claim contribution based employment and support allowance whatever that means.
How on earth I am going to manage my personal adviser app next week, I can only sit for max 15 mins

I'm short of time right now.. but as above.. refer online to see the points relevant for the WRAG descriptors which should be given in the medical report. You've been given a lengthy prognosis.. 2 years is towards the upper end of scale.

Contribution based ESA payments can only be got for 12 months while in WRAG... they're unlimited in Support group. If you were to use up the 12 months in WRAG then you could transfer to income related ESA if you met means testing criteria.

The DWP would reconsider their decision if you requested to appeal.. and if they didn't change their mind then they'd send the paperwork to tribunals service to arrange your appeal hearing. Appeal requests must be made in writing... the GL24 form from DWP can be used. You can request the DWP reconsider their decision but there seems little point in most cases since they'll reconsider if you appeal anyway. If you do appeal I'd strongly recommend getting written opinion of a HCP such as your GP who can verify that the descriptor you reference above (or other S. Gp descriptors) is applicable to you and explain why. That could be useful. I should warn you that appealing could be a very lengthy process... not complicated but riddled with delay.. the DWP may take months to reconsider and a tribunal will take many months to arrange after that... some people are even reporting over 12 months for the whole process to play out.

Regarding meeting with personal advisor... it might be worth contacting the jobcentre and asking if they can do it over the phone or make alternative arrangements.. explain your problems. A fair few people on here report success in having arrrangements alternative to going to jobcentre in person made.

abmoll

Thank you. Unfortunately I am running out of time, only 5 days left to appeal. I'm sending the appeal tomorrow via next day delivery.
I will forward any evidence from my GP.
What a minefield