Work Capability Assessment - Requesting Medical Report

SJI85

Hello,


I had my WCA for my ESA claim this week. It didn't go too well. I felt that the assessor (a doctor) didn't really allow me the time to discuss the difficulties I have. She didn't allow me time to process the question, and prepare an answer, before prompting me/pushing me for an answer. For example, when asking "what my typical routine" is, I was trying to structure my thoughts when, within seconds, she began asking "do you shower? do you have breakfast?". When asking how dyspraxia affects me, I began to talk of organisation abilities. However, after explaining this the assessment moved on to another medical condition, when I still have other difficulties associated with dyspraxia. She asked closed questions, and also asked about my education history (I assume you went to a "normal" school, passed A-levels and a degree...how my daily living and employment skills are affected have limited relevance to how I performed in education - besides, I still had difficulties in education which I wasn't given the opportunity to explain. Just because I passed my degree, after EIGHT years, doesn't mean I had no difficulties). But I digress...


I'm therefore not hopeful that the medical report will be a full representation of my conditions and difficulties. I was wondering what the process is for requesting a copy of the medical report? Can this be done prior to the DM making his or her decision about my claim?


Furthermore, I am waiting for an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, which will take place later this month. If I am diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, would this be grounds for getting a new assessment, or just new medical evidence to provide at the mandatory reconsideration/appeal stage (should I not be found to have LC).


Thank you for your assistance.


*I know some will question why I didn't complain, or if I felt things weren't mentioned that should have been why I didn't state this at the end of the assessment. This is partly down to my condition - not wanting conflict/potential conflict. As someone with depression and anxiety, and is shy, I find it hard to be assertive. Plus I was exhausted due to my medical conditions, and waited an hour for the assessment anyway, and just wanted to get home and sleep. I've therefore decided to take my chance and hope I'm found to have LCA, or that a mandatory reconsideration is successful with additional medical evidence.

rogerblack

Call the DWP Monday and request a copy.
It may be worth at this time stating that you have severe concerns about the reliability of the report due to the inappropriate questions asked, and the ways they did not explore your condition as explained on the ESA50, and asking if a note can be added to give it a couple of weeks so you can properly respond to the medical report.

JaneDoeJohnDoe

SJI85 wrote: »

Hello,


I had my WCA for my ESA claim this week. It didn't go too well. I felt that the assessor (a doctor) didn't really allow me the time to discuss the difficulties I have. She didn't allow me time to process the question, and prepare an answer, before prompting me/pushing me for an answer. For example, when asking "what my typical routine" is, I was trying to structure my thoughts when, within seconds, she began asking "do you shower? do you have breakfast?". When asking how dyspraxia affects me, I began to talk of organisation abilities. However, after explaining this the assessment moved on to another medical condition, when I still have other difficulties associated with dyspraxia. She asked closed questions, and also asked about my education history (I assume you went to a "normal" school, passed A-levels and a degree...how my daily living and employment skills are affected have limited relevance to how I performed in education - besides, I still had difficulties in education which I wasn't given the opportunity to explain. Just because I passed my degree, after EIGHT years, doesn't mean I had no difficulties). But I digress...


I'm therefore not hopeful that the medical report will be a full representation of my conditions and difficulties. I was wondering what the process is for requesting a copy of the medical report? Can this be done prior to the DM making his or her decision about my claim?


Furthermore, I am waiting for an assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, which will take place later this month. If I am diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, would this be grounds for getting a new assessment, or just new medical evidence to provide at the mandatory reconsideration/appeal stage (should I not be found to have LC).


Thank you for your assistance.


*I know some will question why I didn't complain, or if I felt things weren't mentioned that should have been why I didn't state this at the end of the assessment. This is partly down to my condition - not wanting conflict/potential conflict. As someone with depression and anxiety, and is shy, I find it hard to be assertive. Plus I was exhausted due to my medical conditions, and waited an hour for the assessment anyway, and just wanted to get home and sleep. I've therefore decided to take my chance and hope I'm found to have LCA, or that a mandatory reconsideration is successful with additional medical evidence.

You'll probably get a phone call from DM to say you did or didn't pass the WCA. If you failed then ask for medical report & ask for Mandatory Reconsideration. You should then get all the stuff you need (re medical report & other fiction!). Read thoroughly & then send in ALL personal reports you have (keep copies). Cite being made an hr one reason for MR. Cite HCP only took 'snap-shot' of your day. If you still fail to be found unfit you MUST appeal. Lots of helpful tips on net & on MSE forums.

SJI85

JaneDoeJohnDoe wrote: »

You'll probably get a phone call from DM to say you did or didn't pass the WCA. If you failed then ask for medical report & ask for Mandatory Reconsideration. You should then get all the stuff you need (re medical report & other fiction!). Read thoroughly & then send in ALL personal reports you have (keep copies). Cite being made an hr one reason for MR. Cite HCP only took 'snap-shot' of your day. If you still fail to be found unfit you MUST appeal. Lots of helpful tips on net & on MSE forums.

Thanks. I know the process of asking for an MD, I was just wondering if I can/it would be advisable to get a copy of the medical report prior to the DM making the decision. It would be interesting to actually read it and see if it does provide an accurate overview, whether I pass the WCA or not.


Providing medical evidence will be difficult, as I only really have a neuropshchological report from 2007, and not actually under the care of mental health services. If I'm diagnosed with an Autism SD I'll hopefully be able to provide that report along with a GP letter.