PIP Report written up 40 days after assessment???

Debbie526

Hi All,
I'm trying to appeal a PIP refusal decision for a friend with Fibromyalgia. She unfortunately didn't elaborate much on the application form & at the medical assessment. However, from the bundle, it seems the PIP report was written up some 40 days after the actual assessment. Would this be an angle for appeal or not? Surely this time lapse wouldn't be reasonable, or are there any rules stating otherwise?
Many thanks.

poppy12345

Debbie526 wrote: »

Hi All,
I'm trying to appeal a PIP refusal decision for a friend with Fibromyalgia. She unfortunately didn't elaborate much on the application form & at the medical assessment. However, from the bundle, it seems the PIP report was written up some 40 days after the actual assessment. Would this be an angle for appeal or not? Surely this time lapse wouldn't be reasonable, or are there any rules stating otherwise?
Many thanks.

I'm assuming not all reports are written up straight away especially if there's not much evidence. You have to ask for a mandatory reconsideration first. You only have 30 days from the date of the letter so you have to act quickly. Hopefully the letter is dated less than 30 days ago. I advice your friend to send in as much evidence as possible. Any consultant letters, Occupational Therapist reports, Full list of all medication. Possibly a letter from someone that lives with him/her stating how this person is in daily life, for E.G what help they receive each day with bathroom, toilet needs, dressing undressing, preparing and cooking meals. Does she have adaptations in the home? If so then state this. The more evidence the better. PIP is all about how the condition affects you in daily life and NOT about the condition itself. CAB will help and there's also facebook groups too.

Debbie526

Thanks Poppy,
Yes, we've asked for a reconsideration in time and intend to send in further evidence as you suggest. However, I don't think it will change the decision due to the Application form & Assessment. I was trying to get the assessment deemed null & void due to the time lapse and she could at least have a fresh assessment. Guess that is a push but we'll send in the further info as you say anyway, can't do any harm.
many thanks.

poppy12345

Debbie526 wrote: »

Thanks Poppy,
Yes, we've asked for a reconsideration in time and intend to send in further evidence as you suggest. However, I don't think it will change the decision due to the Application form & Assessment. I was trying to get the assessment deemed null & void due to the time lapse and she could at least have a fresh assessment. Guess that is a push but we'll send in the further info as you say anyway, can't do any harm.
many thanks.

I really don't think that's possible to be honest. I guess some people just don't understand the way PIP works. When filling out the forms you really should get help from someone that knows what they're doing. Good luck.

Savvy_Sue

The only way I think a lapse in time would be grounds for appeal would be if you could prove that notes weren't taken at the time of the assessment so that the assessment was written up from memory.

Obviously if the assessment is inaccurate, that's different, but just a lapse in writing up just means it took a while to write up!

Debbie526

Hi Savvy_Sue,
Would you know if it's usual for the HCP to take written notes at an assessment? My friend can't remember if she did. I presume they write up their 'Summary Justification' from the entries they make into the computer on the day of assessment?

Many Thanks.

poppy12345

Debbie526 wrote: »

Hi Savvy_Sue,
Would you know if it's usual for the HCP to take written notes at an assessment? My friend can't remember if she did. I presume they write up their 'Summary Justification' from the entries they make into the computer on the day of assessment?

Many Thanks.

They use their computer for everything as far as i know. After the assessment if they have all the evidence they write the report and send it back to DWP.

Savvy_Sue

Debbie526 wrote: »

Would you know if it's usual for the HCP to take written notes at an assessment? My friend can't remember if she did. I presume they write up their 'Summary Justification' from the entries they make into the computer on the day of assessment?

I'm afraid I don't know how the system works, but it would be shocking if notes were NOT taken at the time - as poppy says, maybe on a computer.

Now, whether the notes bear any relationship to what the person said may be another matter.