Help filling in DLA

TheWaltons_3

Hi

My neighbour wants me to help fill her DLA in , and I am down as someone who goes in and helps her daily, which I do seeing as I work from home.

I am stuck though as these forms are notoriously difficult to fill out.

Her problems are:

• Can't sit for more than 20 mins a time (Drs orders)
• Needs dressing changed on lower back (gross!)
• Does not know when she needs toilet, as she seems to be semi incontinent and can't feel her private bits
• Can walk with an aid, but finds it so hard to do
• Can't feel her left leg, it's completely numb, affecting her stability
• Needs meals preparing
• Needs help down extremely steep stairs
• Needs help with night feeds for her baby, and during day
• Can't lift the baby

Now, her main problems are with walking and the toilet issues, plus the numbness in her legs.

Do I put on the form Yes or No to walking... the forms are so confusing.

This is all since she had the Discectomy on her back but she has had this pain over 6 mths, it seemed to get worse with carrying her baby when pregnant, and has gotten terrible since the birth.

She has had Sciatica intermittently for 10 years, and all Drs records to prove it.

quietheart

http://www.bhas.org.uk/freeguides/dla-adults-physicalgrounds.pdf

have you read this guide for claiming DLA, i think it's fantastic.

TheWaltons_3

rovers wrote: »

http://www.bhas.org.uk/freeguides/dla-adults-physicalgrounds.pdf

have you read this guide for claiming DLA, i think it's fantastic.

Brilliant, have scan read it briefly and when I get a chance, will fill it all in as best I can.

My toddler spilt my Tea all over the DLA forms - which were stamped from when I first rang up :eek:

quietheart

that's what toddlers do isn't it?!
couldn't you ring and ask for another one.
best of luck with completing the form:T

ohreally

TheWaltons wrote: »

Needs dressing changed on lower back (gross!)


She has had Sciatica intermittently for 10 years, and all Drs records to prove it.

Firstly, she should be receiving visits from a community nurse, this should have been set up as part of her discharge from hospital - she should have been discharged with a letter to give to her GP. If her wound is/gets infected there is the potential to cause serious complications.


Sciatica is the name given to the condition, that alone would not ensure a successful DLA application. The relevant facts the effect the condition has on her day to day ability and her care needs.You need to put the correct info in the boxes or you will likely fall at the DM stage.
Given the purpose of the surgery shes just had is to relieve these symptoms the DM will likely question whether they will still be present in 3-6 months time.


Good luck.

ohreally

TheWaltons wrote: »

This is all since she had the Discectomy on her back but she has had this pain over 6 mths

How long ago was the surgery? Was it a full discectomy with fusion L4/L5, L5/S1 or a microdiscectomy?

stazi

From-
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/hb5/further_info/info_3.asp

this will help-
Benefit Enquiry Line

A confidential telephone service is available for people who are sick or disabled, carers and representatives. Ring the Benefit Enquiry Line (BEL) on 0800 88 22 00. People with speech or hearing problems using a textphone can dial 0800 24 33 55. You can also use the RNID Typetalk service.
If you speak Welsh, you can still use the numbers above.
BEL is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6.30pm and Saturday, 9.00am to 1.00pm.
The person taking your call will not have your personal papers but will be able to give you general information about all benefits.
Information can be produced in Braille or large print. Help is available with completing forms for disability benefits.

Morglin

If you can, try and arrange for a Welfare Rights worker to help her to do the forms.

The CAB usually have details of local ones, or this site will be able to tell you how to contact one:

http://www.clsdirect.org.uk/index.jsp

Be careful of asking for DWP help in filling out the forms - they do tend to try and "put words in the claimants mouth" as to how bad their condition is.

Lin

wolfehouse

also remember to keep a photocopy of the form before you send it as if you need to appeal this will help you know what exactly you said.