ESA decision maker and descriptors

epitome

1. Mobilising unaided by another person with or without a walking stick, manual wheelchair or other aid if such aid is normally, or could reasonably be worn or used.
Cannot either:
(a) mobilise more than 50 metres on level ground without stopping in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion; or
(b) repeatedly mobilise 50 metres within a reasonable timescale because of significant discomfort or exhaustion.

It doesn't matter what the hcp or the DM have decided, what matters is that you dispute it and supply all the evidence and your own testimony in person at the appeal. if you put forward a good argument then you will win. And if you ticked a distance box, you should explain that it is not made very clear that you have the option to leave all the boxes unticked, there is no "other" box so this causes people to tick inappropriately.

MacMickster

This may be a silly question, but how did you get to your assessment, and did the ATOS examiner ask about or observe this?

You may be shooting yourself in the foot if walked 200 yards from a car park without stopping, or were seen to walk further within the assessment centre than you say you are able to.

benefitbaby

Don't forget also that it is your ability to complete the activity reliably, as and when you are called upon to do so...
So if you have good/bad days this is relevant too.

barney2k

Thanks for all your replies and the points raised.

I was not aware that you could leave boxes unticked however I still believe I fit that descriptor.

I was asked how I traveled to the assessment so it is possible the hpc assumed I walked from the car park, too far, dropped at the corner of the road about 25m away.

I do have good days and bad days. I also have good minutes and bad minutes, when you go to do something that in the past was easy and now your body says forget it.I am still struggling to come to terms with all the restrictions I now have when 18 months ago things were so different.