Been called for medical - not happy

GlasweJen

I've had a heart transplant, managed to get paralysed from the middle of my back down in the process and the only support group descriptor I meet is the continence one which is completely unrelated. Quite honestly I don't understand how anyone with sinus tachycardia or anything like it can be allowed to claim disability benefits for 22 years.

MUMZ2BEE

I've got the dreaded benefit medical in 3 days time.

I've read through the descriptors to prepare myself for some questions I might be answered.

I suspect it will take around an hour, I will have a relative with me but I will secretly record the medical on my mobile phone.

I will keep you all posted how it goes, but to be honest, I am nervous about it as I have heard so many horrible things about these ATOS medicals!!

Muttleythefrog

MUMZ2BEE wrote: »

I've got the dreaded benefit medical in 3 days time.

I've read through the descriptors to prepare myself for some questions I might be answered.

I suspect it will take around an hour, I will have a relative with me but I will secretly record the medical on my mobile phone.

I will keep you all posted how it goes, but to be honest, I am nervous about it as I have heard so many horrible things about these ATOS medicals!!

Audio recording secretly might be a good measure to take. I did for mine. Many medicals go okay... bear in mind they HCP will be under the pressure of time.. efficiency... but don't let that put you off from giving full answers... make sure you are explanative of problems you have. And yes... have in mind the descriptors that should qualify you for ESA... assuming there are such of course. Your behaviour, appearance demeanor etc will be recorded. It might be worth showing your relative the descriptors you feel apply to you in case opportunity arises for them to give facts.

PippaGirl_2

Unfortunately Tribunals cannot take into account any evidence produced from a recording made secretly. Would be good fodder for the press and your MP though!

MUMZ2BEE

Thanks a lot Muttley; you've been brilliant with your advice so far!!

I will let you know of course what happens!!

Many thanks!!

Muttleythefrog

PippaGirl wrote: »

Unfortunately Tribunals cannot take into account any evidence produced from a recording made secretly. Would be good fodder for the press and your MP though!

My understanding is that it would be down to the discretion of the tribunal itself. There are cases of tribunals admitting covert recordings and I think a couple of MSErs claim to have done so in relation to IB tribunals. It's this whole issue of 3rd parties and it isn't especially clear... the actual recording is almost certainly going to be legal in these circumstances. However I certainly wouldn't rely on the option...clearly admitting such evidence isn't commonplace. I would make the presumption of it being at best for your own purposes and use... and that if attempting to submit such as evidence then get it transcribed and given to the tribunal as evidence well in advance with note that original recording can be supplied if required and that you were actively present throughout the covertly recorded material (the latter point given that in employment tribunal case tribunal refused to admit parts of the recording where 'complainant' wasn't present).

Poppie68

GlasweJen wrote: »

I've had a heart transplant, managed to get paralysed from the middle of my back down in the process and the only support group descriptor I meet is the continence one which is completely unrelated. Quite honestly I don't understand how anyone with sinus tachycardia or anything like it can be allowed to claim disability benefits for 22 years.

Im in total agreement, im sure some people spend their lives studying benefits and looking up illnesses on the internet.

Some people have been allowed to get away with 'swinging the lead' for far to long and now the powers that be are making genuine people suffer for their failure to stop the scammers.

(not suggesting the OP is one of the scammers, just a reply to Glaswejens' post):)

Mara69

zoominatorone wrote: »

You've never been to a medical before? In 22 years? They've been paying out for 22 years and haven't had you in for any kind of medical?

Mumz, I notice you've not answered this.

krisskross

Mara69 wrote: »

Mumz, I notice you've not answered this.

Some of us have been saying what an absolute doss IB has been for many people for decades.

Others have denied this but it certainly has been happening and has cost a lot of money and meant many wasted lives.

Whether the OP has a positive result from her WCA remains to be seen but the fact remains that after such a long period with no experience and no up to date skills she is probably unemployable. Hopefully the taxpayer will no longer have to pay her to sit around though.

As Muttley and others have given her as many hints and tips as possible it reinforces the view that the MSE boards are the definitive crib sheet.

Poppie68

krisskross wrote: »

Some of us have been saying what an absolute doss IB has been for many people for decades.

Others have denied this but it certainly has been happening and has cost a lot of money and meant many wasted lives.

Whether the OP has a positive result from her WCA remains to be seen but the fact remains that after such a long period with no experience and no up to date skills she is probably unemployable. Hopefully the taxpayer will no longer have to pay her to sit around though.

As Muttley and others have given her as many hints and tips as possible it reinforces the view that the MSE boards are the definitive crib sheet.

MUMZ2BEE made a statement in one of her other threads that she was unable to pay off her extensive debts due to losing her job, so dont' really know what she has been doing for the last 22 years.