Atos Medical - Depression

bloolagoon

considerphlebas wrote: »

I'm worried because even my GP has expressed distrust of ATOS and I can't afford the letter he'd write to support my claim (£90). Also, former nurses and doctors who have worked for ATOS and performed the WCA have made it clear that ATOS work to targets and will not hesitate to declare people fit for work when they're knocking on death's door - answers to questions are ignored and physical appearance for the brief period of the examination takes precedent for their decision (well, you don't LOOK suicidal and panic stricken at the moment, sooo...). And lastly, the appeals system has also been changed, so now the appeal brings with it a period of precisely zero money. Not sure how I'll even survive without a penny to my name for the weeks/months it takes for the appeal to go through.

I have a diagnosis of severe depression, medication to prove it and three or four times a day I have a debilitating panic attack. If they take my word for the questions I'd pass with points to spare, but since a vast amount of people have had to go through the appeal system to get a fair decision, it seems fair to assume I'm up s-creek without a paddle.

I think you are reading too many negative stories. My experience is that certainly of late (was less so at first) those with mental health are tear very fairly indeed. So be honest and go in with an open mind, if you go in negative and this results in over compensating your replies I can't see a good outcome for anyone.

tomtontom

It may be too late, but I would call the DWP and ask that they write to your GP and ask for a report from him. They don't have to agree, but if they do there will be no charge to you, it is covered in their NHS contract.

little_monkey

ATOS tell lies.They once phoned me up(after being told not to)and told me they wanted to know who my GP was as the one i had put on my ESA50 form had informed them that i was no longer a patient with them.I obviously got straight in touch with my GP who told me he'd not had any contact from ATOS concerning me.During the same conversation with ATOS they further informed me that they(ATOS) can decide if i am fit for work or not(they can't,only the DWP decision maker can do that).I informed them of this and the ATOS person said "oh you would be surprised what we can do"

FBaby

The reality is they have to go by evidence as otherwise anyone can make anything up for the sake of claiming benefits so what evidence have you got supporting you can't do any kind of work? Medicine alone is unlikely to help as many people do work with depression and anxiety. I think you do need supporting letter from a professional. Have you seen anyone else but your GP?

vision2009

Even if you dont score enough points at the assessment you can put forward that:

Because of your physical or mental health condition or disability, there would be a substantial risk to the mental or physical health of any person, including you, if you were found not to have limited capability for work. (Regulation 29)
ie Your illness, mental health would deteriorate
This allows entry to the support group.

Or

Because of your physical or mental health condition or disability there would be a substantial risk to the mental or physical health of any person, including you, if you were found not to have limited capability for work-related activity. (Regulation 35)
This allows entry to the work related activity group (WRA)

If you have a GP who is supportive, or even better a consultant psychiatrist who would write you a report i would go for it. All evidence you can get is good and you cant have too much.
take care

considerphlebas

duchy wrote: »

£90 for a letter supporting a claim for benefit ?
It isn't only ATOS who need to put their house in order.
Frankly I'd change my doctor-That is a disgrace.

vision2009 wrote: »

Even if you dont score enough points at the assessment you can put forward that:

Because of your physical or mental health condition or disability, there would be a substantial risk to the mental or physical health of any person, including you, if you were found not to have limited capability for work. (Regulation 29)
ie Your illness, mental health would deteriorate
This allows entry to the support group.

Or

Because of your physical or mental health condition or disability there would be a substantial risk to the mental or physical health of any person, including you, if you were found not to have limited capability for work-related activity. (Regulation 35)
This allows entry to the work related activity group (WRA)

If you have a GP who is supportive, or even better a consultant psychiatrist who would write you a report i would go for it. All evidence you can get is good and you cant have too much.
take care

Thanks so much for this.

considerphlebas

FBaby wrote: »

The reality is they have to go by evidence as otherwise anyone can make anything up for the sake of claiming benefits so what evidence have you got supporting you can't do any kind of work? Medicine alone is unlikely to help as many people do work with depression and anxiety. I think you do need supporting letter from a professional. Have you seen anyone else but your GP?

I've been in contact with the primary care mental health team, but their waiting times are immense here so it's all dragging on. The only proof I have is the diagnosis, really. Not sure how else I can prove a nervous breakdown, depression and anxiety.

only_mee

facial expressions are under the depression "banner" my assesment doctor could physically see them, i had no idea till he said

DomRavioli

dibdabable wrote: »

Why is he/she worrying? What a question, in the light of everything that has happened with Atos. Just because he/she knows he fits the descriptors and may have/have not medical evidence supporting the claim,it does not follow that there's nothing to worry about. If you have the evidence, then there's nothing to worry about.
The very fact the OP suffers from a mental health issue will usually predicate anxiety about anything where the person needs to concentrate and think clearly, one thing most people with mental health conditions are less likely to be able to do. That is complete rubbish - not all MH issues contraindicate anxiety, I should know, I have one!

OP whilst getting anxious about this won't help, it's natural you should be concerned by what you've read and heard. All I can suggest is that you need to focus much more on how your condition affects your ability to function. If for the majority of the time you can't perform an action say for 4/5 days out of 7, then it should be taken that you can't perform the action. You must demonstarte this don't presume that because they know your condition they will therefore understand how it affects you.

Good luck for tomorrow, I won't say don't worry becuase you will, instead try and use that energy to be prepared.

Proper clot! When you've lived it for 19 years, then you can lecture on it. Until then, shush.

DomRavioli

considerphlebas wrote: »

I've been in contact with the primary care mental health team, but their waiting times are immense here so it's all dragging on. The only proof I have is the diagnosis, really. Not sure how else I can prove a nervous breakdown, depression and anxiety.

A copy of your medical records, showing you have them diagnosed, as well as any treatment usually works.