PIP results

Scully38

Just after a bit of advice. I had my assessment done for PIP (i'm still working part time), and have been awarded the basic care component, but nothing for the mobility.

I know this is a good result in actually getting some money to get some care, but can I appeal against it as I do need the mobility componant as I have grade 4 osteoarthritis in both my knees and degenerated discs, L3, L4 and L5 and peripheral neuropathy.

My doctor and my hospital consultant know that for the last 5 months my legs have been giving way constantly. I don't know when they're going to go, but I end up falling frequently. Sometimes it can be when i've walked 5 foot, sometimes 20 foot, I never know when i'm going to go, I just fall. I was awarded 4 points on the mobility part because they said I can walk between 50 mtrs and 200 mtrs, yes I can some days, but certainly not safely and certainly not all the time.

I don't know if I can appeal against that part only as the descriptors state:

Can you carry out the activity reliably?

safely
to an acceptable standard
repeatedly
in a reasonable time period.
If you can't, then a higher scoring descriptor should apply to you.

I can't move around safely or repeatedly and I explained this to the assessor, but no part of the 'safely' is written on the results letter or how to appeal.

Is there any way to appeal that part only? Thanks for your help.

pmlindyloo

Scully38 wrote: »

Just after a bit of advice. I had my assessment done for PIP (i'm still working part time), and have been awarded the basic care component, but nothing for the mobility.

I know this is a good result in actually getting some money to get some care, but can I appeal against it as I do need the mobility componant as I have grade 4 osteoarthritis in both my knees and degenerated discs, L3, L4 and L5 and peripheral neuropathy.

My doctor and my hospital consultant know that for the last 5 months my legs have been giving way constantly. I don't know when they're going to go, but I end up falling frequently. Sometimes it can be when i've walked 5 foot, sometimes 20 foot, I never know when i'm going to go, I just fall. I was awarded 4 points on the mobility part because they said I can walk between 50 mtrs and 200 mtrs, yes I can some days, but certainly not safely and certainly not all the time.

I don't know if I can appeal against that part only as the descriptors state:

Can you carry out the activity reliably?

safely
to an acceptable standard
repeatedly
in a reasonable time period.
If you can't, then a higher scoring descriptor should apply to you.

I can't move around safely or repeatedly and I explained this to the assessor, but no part of the 'safely' is written on the results letter or how to appeal.

Is there any way to appeal that part only? Thanks for your help.

You mention that the last 5 months your legs have been giving away constantly. Was this the case when you applied for PIP (and the medical evidence backed this up) or has your condition worsened.

Depending on the answer you either have to appeal or report a change in circumstances as they will have based their decision o your condition at the time of your original application.

McKneff

If you got this extra money, how would it help in stopping you falling over......

Scully38

pmlindyloo wrote: »

You mention that the last 5 months your legs have been giving away constantly. Was this the case when you applied for PIP (and the medical evidence backed this up) or has your condition worsened.

Depending on the answer you either have to appeal or report a change in circumstances as they will have based their decision o your condition at the time of your original application.

My legs giving way only started this year, it wasn't on my original application, it's only been the last 5/6 months. At the medical assessment they said they'd lost all my paperwork, so were working on just the face to face interview. I did mention it to him then that I was falling downstairs, off buses and that I never know when i'm going to fall, I just collapse. My consultant (pain specialist) and GP are aware of this, but neither of them are clear on why it's happening. They have both said it could be either the grade 4 osteoarthritis in my knees, the bone spurs in my spine touching the nerves due to degenerative discs, the neuropathy caused by misdiagnosis of lack of B12 for 2 years, the new medication i'm on, or my severe anaemia (which hasn't been controlled for the last 18 months).

So would it be a change in circumstances if they lost all my paperwork and just relying on the interview I believe, but I am not sure. Do I still have to go for a manual reconsideration first as it's not clear on the letter I received this morning.

Scully38

McKneff wrote: »

If you got this extra money, how would it help in stopping you falling over......

I have a mobility scooter I paid for myself and could get a car that accepts my scooter (wheelchair ramp) so i'm not having to wait for people to come to my house and help me out, and the fact that I only have to walk a minimum of a few feet and therefore reducing the risk of falling over.

rogerblack

McKneff wrote: »

If you got this extra money, how would it help in stopping you falling over......

This is absolutely specifically not what the award is for.
The nebulous public intent around the bill was to 'help cope with the costs of disability' - this is not in practice required, as it would raise unfortunate questions.

For example - why is someone assessed as needing 24*7 care to maintain safety not actually provided that care (at the cost of a little over a hundred thousand pounds a year).

The award is a cash sum per week.
It is not specifically tailored to actual costs, and is not required to be spent directly on the needs due to the disability.

'directly on needs due of the disability' is a really hard thing to pin down.

In some cases, it's simple.
Can't walk - extra costs of transport, modifying house and reduced access to things meaning whatever you want to do tends to cost more.

In others - less so.
You're put on high-rate care because you're at risk of passing out and dying.
What can actually be done is limited.

pmlindyloo

Scully38 wrote: »

My legs giving way only started this year, it wasn't on my original application, it's only been the last 5/6 months. At the medical assessment they said they'd lost all my paperwork, so were working on just the face to face interview. I did mention it to him then that I was falling downstairs, off buses and that I never know when i'm going to fall, I just collapse. My consultant (pain specialist) and GP are aware of this, but neither of them are clear on why it's happening. They have both said it could be either the grade 4 osteoarthritis in my knees, the bone spurs in my spine touching the nerves due to degenerative discs, the neuropathy caused by misdiagnosis of lack of B12 for 2 years, the new medication i'm on, or my severe anaemia (which hasn't been controlled for the last 18 months).

So would it be a change in circumstances if they lost all my paperwork and just relying on the interview I believe, but I am not sure. Do I still have to go for a manual reconsideration first as it's not clear on the letter I received this morning.

Sounds like a change of circumstances to me.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_sick_or_disabled_people_and_carers_ew/benefits_personal_independence_payment_e/benefits_after_you_are_awarded_pip_e/pip_changes_you_must_report.htm

Make sure that your doctors/consultants letters specify the circumstances relating to the descriptor in question using the words, reliably, repeatedly, safely.

TELLIT01

Scully38 wrote: »

. At the medical assessment they said they'd lost all my paperwork, so were working on just the face to face interview.

Definitely grounds for appeal. They didn't have any medical history to work from. Get the appeal in and ask your GP / hospital for copies of everything they have which is relevant to your claim. Send one copy to PIP when requested and keep a copy yourself. Take that with you if called to an appeal hearing.