Public Sector Scheme Not Such A Good Deal?

System

"Of course an ill health retirement is going to be a decision of the scheme trustees, as they are the ones responsible for the pension fund and the scheme at large. Who on earth else do you think should be making the decision?"

Yes thank you, I did know that. I didn't and don't think anyone else "should be making the decision".

As a union rep, I dealt with personal cases where early retirement on medical grounds was a possibility, for more than twenty years. And a good friend served as a union-nominated trustee for more than one term.

I was simply attempting to deflect the notion that significant health issues are an automatic passport to a full early pension.

Nonetheless thanks for your interest.

xylophone

There is no need to get all defensive and walk off in a huff!:)

Everybody here who has answered has looked at the information you have given and that on the Scheme site.

First of all, you stated that

yes my tinnitus and loss of hearing make it pretty much impossible for me to work professionally as a sound engineer. For instance I would fail the hearing tests that are part of the initial application for my old job.

As well as the hearing loss (which presumably is not going to be reversed and is likely to worsen), you have a condition causing significant pain and progressive demyelination - this will involve hospital stays and treatment over the rest of your life.

The BBC guidance states

"Incapacity means physical or mental impairment as a result of which, on the evidence of a doctor or other qualified person appointed by the BBC, the Trustees are satisfied:

that you are incapable of carrying out your normal occupation; and
it is likely to permanently and substantially impair your earning capacity."

Assuming that you have not overstated your case ( and a report from your consultant should clarify), it is very difficult to see how your situation does not fit within the above parameters.

If you yourself are convinced of this and also of the fact that you were unjustly refused your application on the evidence of an inebriated incompetent, you should take up your union's offer to fight your case?

Your other options are as set out in post 40?

jamesd

I agree, it seems clear that you are not capable of carrying out your normal occupation and it seems clear from both the hearing issue and your experience job hunting that the overall condition as well as the hearing loss have substantially impaired your earning capacity.

atush

I agree, as I said before, you need to appeal.