DLA change of circumstances (again!)

GlasweJen

I feel as if I am never stable any more.

So to keep you all up to date I'm currently on middle care and low mobility. Blue badge expired last month and lo and behold the council have decided not to renew it as there are no discretionary badges any more - just great.

I really need the badge but don't need the strain of changing my DLA award - tough luck. Called today for the change of circa form but I don't know if I will qualify any more - what's everyone's thoughts?

Current diagnosed with: Heart; neurocardiogenic syncope, sick sinus syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (sum up, heart beats too slow, blood pressure too low, when I stand up blood pressure drops, heart rate speeds up and I collapse and lose consciousness) Immune System; graft-host disease, autoimmune syndrome (my body hates my new heart and also hates itself, currently trying to out the heart along with my knees and ankle, no one knows how or why but it is really sore to walk on); Other, currently under investigation for myasthenia gravis or mitochondrial disease - no one can work out which one and it's too dangerous to take the deciding muscle biopsy due to the state of my heart.

I use the badge to park close to shops, I take about 5 minutes to get out the car as I have to stand up slowly and then I can collapse at any time with no warning. Walking wise I usually get from the badge space to the supermarket then borrow a wheelchair. I can't drive due to constant double vision so we borrow a manual wheelchair and I get pushed along.

If it's not the supermarket we will take my own chair and I'll get pushed. I can walk don't get my wrong but in the morning I can get from my work to Greggs (about 5 doors down) and back no problem, by afternoon I can barely lift my own head and the access to work taxi has to park at the back door and sometimes help me stand up to get me into his car.

Is it worth returning this form? I know the leap from low to high but I need the badge and I'm worried I'm not going to get it.

I have no current evidence but I can give them a few different specialists details who would all do a report if asked.

Also can I leave the care part blank (I think you used to be able to) or do I need to do the whole thing again?

GlasweJen

I should add I checked on the phone this morning and I will not be getting moved to PIP

DomRavioli

The muscle biopsy is usually taken under local anaesthesia - not sure how this would have an effect on your other issues; mine was taken from my tibial muscle and was quick and painless.

If you don't fit the descriptors, then you won't get the rate, its as simple as that.

If you have a change of circumstances you may be moved to PIP - link for PIP descriptors is https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pip-assessment-criteria.

GlasweJen

Most elective surgery is off the table when you're at risk of your heart being rejected...

ab.da54

Having gone from being unable to walk and wheelchair dependant, to being able to walk, albeit somewhat limited, is fantastic progress, so well done on that.

As to your current health issues, although people could advise, it will be down to the decision maker so you can only but try.

Good luck with it all. Hopefully you will be able to get your blue badge renewed so that the difficulties you have, which impact on your health, are eased somewhat.

GlasweJen

I think I was hasty giving up the high mobility, the minute I could do 100m on crutches I was on the phone updating them because the council had said I could keep the badge and my circumstances would most likely entitle me to a discretionary badge.

If I'm honest 100m is a big struggle any time after 3 in the afternoon - earlier on a work day.

Does anyone know how they work the criteria for people who's condition fluctuates through the day?

cidergirl

I don't know how people get these badges there is a man lives by me has one but goes jogging every afternoon ?

Indie_Kid

I would have thought they'd go by how often on average you struggle. For example, you keep a diary for a month and write how far you can walk and how long this takes you and on average, you can walk 40 meters before stopping.

I know you can get a blue badge due to epilepsy. I wonder if you could get on the basis that you said something about standing up and collapsing.

GlasweJen

Indie Kid what's the criteria for blue badge with epilepsy? I've never heard of this and I've been having seizures several times per week for years though they're classed as non- epileptic seizures I still lose consciousness.

confuseddaughter_2

GlasweJen wrote: »

Indie Kid what's the criteria for blue badge with epilepsy? I've never heard of this and I've been having seizures several times per week for years though they're classed as non- epileptic seizures I still lose consciousness.

You do seem to be clutching at straws in trying to find a back door entry method.
Honesty is the best policy all round. Be thankful that are improving albeit slowly.

ab.da54

confuseddaughter wrote: »

You do seem to be clutching at straws in trying to find a back door entry method.
Honesty is the best policy all round. Be thankful that are improving albeit slowly.

I would agree that honesty is the best policy, for anyone making a claim.

GlasweJen, all you can do, if you consider asking for a reconsideration on your claim, is list how you are now affected - write a diary, showing how you struggle, which is a good idea, and then see what happens.

If you have not been diagnosed with epilepsy, you may not be entitled to a blue badge based on that but, on the other hand, as you do lose consciousness, powers that be may feel that you meet the criteria so it doesn't look as though you have any option but to go for reconsideration, if you want the blue badge.

Good luck with your claim.