ESA and COPD

shellmont830

My husband will be changing over from IB to esa, we are waiting for the form at the moment.
He has been on IB for about 20 years.He has copd, he had a spirometry lung function test in november and the results were
FEV1 30% FEV1/FVC 55%. The copd has also caused {as it often does } tachycardic and his resting heart beat is 120.He is breathless all the time,gets regular flare ups and takes steroids and antibiotics often.He is 57 and his lung age is 152.
What are the chances he will go into the support group, any advice would be great,thanks michelle

[Deleted User]

SG decriptors

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors

kazzah60

judging from my brothers recent experience - very little chance

my brother has combined lung function of 33% of normal
heart failure
complex partial epilepsy from a brain tumour and severe short term memory loss

he has a combination of 19 tablets to take daily and is severely breathless - has his assessment on 21st february
the Doctor said he is unlikely to be able to work again
and his condition is unlikely to improve

he is under the care of
a Neurologist
Cardiologist
Respiratory specialist


he has been placed in the WRAG

our appeal is currently underway

osdset

COPD is a difficult condition to score, and as far as I can see ATOS make no distinction between stage 1 (mild) and stage 4 (very severe).

COPD sufferers will have significant difficulty negotiating stairs, but the WCA descriptor awards 9 points for inability to mount or descend two steps, well I can manage two steps easily, a flight of stairs is a different matter, show me a staircase that consists of just two steps.

The other descriptors that match the condition would be mobilising, if one can't manage 50 meters it's 15 points, 100 meters it's 9 points, and 200 meters would be 6 points.

COPD sufferers have problems accumulating enough points for a pass, the mere fact that one made it to the assessment centre normally convinces the HCP that one can mobilise in excess of 200 meters.


I'm stage 3 (severe) COPD and failed the WCA, I was awarded ESA WRAG at appeal only because I also suffer bouts of involuntary unconsciousness which carries 15 points.

Dunroamin

From my experience with COPD (husband in the late stages with lung function of less than 20%) you're best putting your efforts into getting good care, seeing a pulmonologist and being prescribed oxygen. Any doctor who talks about "lung age" is ridiculously out of date and wants shooting.

I recommend that you get your own pulse oximeter and make sure he's referred for pulmonary rehabilitation.