In a confusing situation regarding ESA (eligiblity)?

Swoop

I would greatly appreciate some assistance on the matter - until Monday (which is when I will take the next step) I am somewhat confused about what I should do.

In late 2012, whilst working full-time and earning £1000+ a month, I damaged my jaw (sleeping in an awkward position). Because the injury is very visible (it's my face lol) it left me with severe anxiety, overnight.

I stayed at work for a few months trying to just get on with things - try as I might (doctor, lifestyle changes to help anxiety) things did not get better, so I left work in early 2013.

Until late 2013 I tried to get on with things, not claiming benefits as I went to see doctors and specialists etc - hoping that things would get better, that I'd feel less anxious as time went on and as I went through the inevitable NHS medical gauntlet (no chance of private healthcare, not in this financial position).

I came to realise that it was going to take a very long time to finish this gauntlet of NHS waiting times etc, and try as I might I can not feel less anxious - I have to leave home to do said things and my face is too visible - I get comments or strange reactions everywhere I go (some much meaner than others!).

In late 2013 (mid November - early December sometime) I started to claim ESA for this reason. The doctor would only give me a short-term note (I was going to see yet another specialist a couple of weeks later).

I have been to see that specialist and am getting an impacted wisdom tooth removed in early March, however this is simply one step before many more afterwards, and will not solve the issue but it is a necessary step before things can be taken any further.

I went to visit a doctor this morning (I have a different one every time, it seems).

He said that he can give me a fit note until the end of January, but he does not believe that I have enough reason to be claiming ESA. He says that people do not notice that my face is injured etc - I explained to him that nothing could be further from the truth, as even when I have totally banished any negative thought from my mind I get yet another insult or evil comment thrown at me (everywhere!). He says that the benefit people will not accept this as a reason for me to be claiming ESA long-term! I told him over and over about how I get non-stop harassment because my face is very visible but he seems to be hell-bent on not accepting it. He seems to think that because I am anxious, that is drawing attention to me and that's why I'm getting verbally attacked constantly - however I know this is not true because I have told myself that exactly time and time again, and even when I act completely relaxed (many times) it gets refreshed in my mind by yet more comments, people saying things no matter what!

I would like to visit another doctor, however I feel I may be wasting my time if the system is actually like this - I'm actually shocked that someone that someone can sit there and tell me that I look fine when I blatantly don't.

I'd like to say again, that my jaw is clearly visibly damaged and I cannot just 'think it away' - even if I don't think about it, other people clearly do and will refresh it in my mind for me, constantly.

So I'd like to ask, what would you do in this situation?

Is he right in that the benefit people will not accept this as a reason for me to be claiming benefits long-term?

Super-thanks if you actually took the time to read this novel of a post.

Raksha

Some GPs are more supportive than others sadly. Mine told me depression was rarely given enough points at Tribunal, but at mine I was awarded 18 points from 0 at my assesment.

The only way you will find out is to apply fir ESA, but be prepared for a long battle

FBaby

Where do you go that you get constantly verbally abused because of a jaw deformity. I know a number of disabled people with missing limbs, huge portwine stains on their faces etc... and despite facing some people looking, which they've learnt to ignore, they don't get call names. They all work.

princessdon

I'd get a job, save up then get amazing maxi facial surgery, can't see any jaw damaged from sleeping getting sorted on NHS.

help4help2013

some People can cope and some people cant it depedns on the individual themselves.

you can get ESA for depression if you feel its stopping you working then apply for ESA if you feel your doctors is not supporting you then change and get another GP .

Adereterial

I am afraid your GP is correct - you will not get ESA in these circumstances. Nothing you have posted suggested you have any limited capability for work.

In any case, you need your GP to agrees you are INCAPABLE of work - do you believe you are incapable of any & all work?

Physical deformities can be distressing - ask your GP to refer you for counselling. In the meantime consider what jobs you can do which may not trigger you anxiety - working from home, perhaps? Also remember physical deformities fall under the definition of disability under the equality act so no employer can refuse to employ you on those grounds.

Raksha

The end decision lies with the DWP decision maker, NOT the GP. My GP was happy to provide me with 'sick notes' for 2 years saying I was not fit for work, but the first DWP DM gave me 0 points, which went to appeal, I was then given 18 points, but put in Work Related Activity Group...

DomRavioli

Hi OP,

How is your jaw "visibly damaged"? I'm sure that you are unhappy with the way it may look or work, but thats part of being a human, and isn't grounds for ESA (you don't mention any functional problems with your jaw - just because it doesn't look like it should isn't a reason, but if there is a problem with functionality, then they can assess that on the information they have). Having some anxiety is also not usually a reason to be granted ESA - please have a look at the ESA descriptors, and as others have suggested, seek counselling if you haven't done so already.

You could try for ESA, but if you don't fit the descriptors, then you will not be awarded anything and have to go on JSA if you need benefits to help you through, where you will be expected to look for work, and will be sanctioned if you don't do it.

helloey

from reading your post, it sounds to me potentially like it could be - Body dysmorphic disorder :

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/body-dysmorphia/Pages/Introduction.aspx

"People with BDD may:

• constantly compare their looks with other people's
• spend a long time in front of a mirror, and at other times avoid mirrors altogether
• spend a long time concealing what they believe is a defect
• become distressed by a particular area of their body (commonly their face)
• feel anxious when around other people "

---

Questions your GP may ask

• Do you currently think a lot about your appearance? What features are you unhappy with? Do you feel your feature/s are ugly or unattractive?
• How noticeable do you think your feature is to other people?
• On an average day, how many hours do you spend thinking about your feature?
• Does your feature currently cause you a lot of distress?
• How many times a day do you currently check your feature?
• How often do you feel anxious about your feature in social situations? Does it lead you to avoid social situations?
• Has your feature had an effect on dating or on an existing relationship?
• Has your feature interfered with your ability to work or study?

etc etc.

...just something to maybe consider ?

regards,

jacques_chirac

It sounds like your GP is trying to gently say to you, pull yourself together. Why not take inspiration from others that might not fit the norm? I have been watching The Undateables on Channel 4 and am forever encouraged by how people with permanent disabilities are accepting their lot and making their lives better.

I also find it difficult to believe you are being abused as often as you claim, are these things people are saying or are you interpreting looks that you feel people give you?

stevemLS

I'm going bald, which is plainly very visible and, moreover, it is socially acceptable to take the **ss, whereas it is not to make the same comments to those with physical deformities. The NHS (rightly) will offer me no treatment for it.

Should I be entitled?

I am struggling to see how such a glaringly obvious physical problem could be caused by sleeping in the wrong position? Post 9, seems to me to be the most obvious answer.

I work in the NHS and sit on panels that decide about unusual treatments patients ask for - this type of thing occasionally comes up and CBT is usually the answer. Very typically, if one problem is corrected, another aspect of the person's anatomy becomes the focus of their thoughts.

Not being unsympathetic, just the facts.

Hope you get the help you need.