dla etc

crutches

after a huge struggle last yr i was awarded LRC but no mobility.i appealed and lost.
since then ive gone downhill .Last time the appeals doctor told me that pain was something everyone learned to live with and the trick was not to let it get the better of you.
my meds have bnow changed to 400mg tramadol,8x (500+30) cocodamol,voltarol+robaxin as needed.
would this be taken as evidence of SEVERE pain?.I was on antidepressants before and that seemed to make them think "malingere"
i have fibromyalgia but have now got a neuro referral too(18 mths!!!!waiting!!!).
Am i likely to have a better chance or should i save myself the stress and just give up on DLA????.for £16 a week it was TOO stressful.

Morglin

Fibromyalgia is difficult to claim DLA for, as many medics cannot agree what causes it or whether it exists, which gives DLA unit a handy excuse to reject claims.

However, DLA is supposed to be paid according to need and not cause, so I would advise you to ask the CAB for a referral to a welfare rights worker, who will help you to appeal the decision - what drugs you take isn't evidence really - medical reports are what they go by.

Most appeals stand a far better chance of success if they have an experienced worker helping.

Lin

crutches

thanks lin but last time i went they had no experienced worker to help.
i'll try again in the hope things have changed.
Social services are "not allowed to help" and council welfare rights is for council benefit forms.
I do have a rheumatologist assessment of fibro.
I find the constant struggle really disheartening though.
We are told on the expert patient prog to concentrate on what we CAN do but the DSS seem determined to reinforce what we CAN'T.

Morglin

You may get some help from this site:

http://dailystrength.org/support/Muscles_Bones/Fibromyalgia/?gclid=CNrsrKDR74wCFQXklAodAQgV-A

Lin

poohbear59

Crutches, I too have fibromyalgia and have got the help of a disability employment advisor at the jobcentre to help with filling in my form. She has told me that applying for DLA is a legal thing (sorry can't remember the word) and if you don't put the right terminology you don't get it. I got it 18 months ago and am now trying to complete the forms again. Also CAB should put you in touch with someone who can help.

Mrs_Supersaver_1

Crutches, there is nothing stopping you putting in a new claim for
'mobility component' again. As you know most 'first claims' are not always lucky.

If you have had a OT assessment completed on you, have you tried submitting that as evidence?

The new Dla claim forms came out in April, you could always state you are happy with the 'care component' and are just applying for mobility.

Good luck.:)
xx

Hapless_2

i will dsay get your GP to back you up, unless you have a GP like mine that is...(Fibro idoes not cause sleep problems, there is no such thing as fibro fog and you need a psychiatrist not painkillers)