Blue Badge Assessment

50Twuncle

dori2o wrote: »

Don‘t forget that it‘s not just the distance or time that matters, pain and discomfort is also a factor.

If you can walk 300m but are in severe pain/discomfort from 10m/20m or even from the first step, then you should be entitled to the badge as you would be defined as (what was previously known as) being virtually unable to walk.

But is that With splint or without splint ?
I can't wear it for more than a couple of hours a day

It stops blood flow iny leg and rubs against my right leg - causing bruises

rogerblack

50Twuncle wrote: »

But is that With splint or without splint ?

The regulations being quoted are PIP ones. These do not apply.
The law does not say how 'very considerable difficulty in walking' is to be assessed.
You would need to find the guidance being given to the assessors, which may or may not follow the PIP or DLA definitions.

Parva

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Whether you're actually driving has nothing to do with getting a Blue Badge.

This is precisely the point I was trying to make. Hell, I can fly to the other side of the world, nevermind driving several hundred miles. The issue isn't the driving (or flying), it's the mobility you have when you get out of the vehicle and this is where the blue badge is awarded or declined. If you can wear a splint for a couple of hours and 'walk' then I'd gladly trade you.

50Twuncle

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/368304/blue-badge-scheme-local-authority-guidance-paper.pdf
It IS linked to PIP rules - which state that an aid "may" be used - not "must" be used !!

AllSpent

50Twuncle wrote: »

But anyone can claim to be in pain - how do I prove it ?

Perhaps they look at what type and dose of medication a person takes. Are they under specialist services, pain clinic, and how often. Has treatment been effective? Does the condition support the likely degree of pain. These may be things considered in determining someone's likely level of pain.

In other words, does the claim appear consistent with all the evidence available.

rogerblack

50Twuncle wrote: »

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/368304/blue-badge-scheme-local-authority-guidance-paper.pdf
It IS linked to PIP rules - which state that an aid "may" be used - not "must" be used !!

It is not linked to PIP rules - it happens to mirror them in some aspects.
The criteria on page 25 are very different from PIP.

It mirrors closely DLA caselaw and regulations.

See however 'This guidance is non-statutory and does not constitute legal advice. It is up to each LA to adopt an assessment scheme that complies with legislation and best meets their circumstances'.

If you mean 'use of walking aids' on page 101, the same caution applies.

If your council follows the above guidance, then that is useful for you as to providing an extensive document - however that is not the law the council has to follow.

missbiggles1

50Twuncle wrote: »

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/368304/blue-badge-scheme-local-authority-guidance-paper.pdf
It IS linked to PIP rules - which state that an aid "may" be used - not "must" be used !!

Surely this is the relevant part for that

"An applicant's use of walking aids.
• The fact that a walking aid is or is not used may be relevant to the eventual decision, but this alone
should not determine whether or not a Blue Badge is issued.
• For example, if a person can walk relatively normally with the use of an artificial leg or walking
stick, then they should not be considered as eligible to receive a Blue Badge.
• It may be pertinent to consider whether an applicant is using any walking aids in a correct manner
when determining whether they have very considerable difficulty in walking.
• It may also be pertinent to consider whether an applicant who is not using any form of walking aid
at the time of their application could improve their walking ability, to the extent that they would no
longer demonstrate very considerable difficulty in walking"

50Twuncle

I was sucessful - the OT was a decent chap and signed me up for a blue badge !!v
I took my splint in with me but was not made to wear it - he just listened to me....

colin13

Parva wrote: »

I have no right leg whatsoever and yet I still drive. I could drive 300 miles easily without issue yet I would struggle to 'walk' with crutches for 20M, if that. Not quite sure where driving comes into this.

well done on ur independence,,