PIP Assessment - Declined Daily Living Component

MS83

Hi,

I recently underwent an assessment with Capita at my home, requesting a female assessor due to the fact it is almost impossible for me to communicate with males due to suffering from PTSD after leaving a very violent and controlling relationship (please note I also suffer from agoraphobia, depression and anxiety), with me suffering panic attacks, nausea, pain and even episodes of disassociation when having to interact with males. When previously having male doctors/health professionals come to my home, they have had to leave due to the severe reaction I have had to them.

On undergoing my assessment, I was relatively 'at ease' with the assessor due to her being female, the assessment taking place in my home and me being 'in control' of the situation at hand. However, in the run up to my assessement, I was extremely 'unwell', being anxious and in extremley low mood, with me suffering from several episodes of disassosiation in the days prior due to the fact I was to have someone unknown in my home.

I have today received a letter advising me that I have been awarded the Standard Rate of Mobility having scored 10 points on 'Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant'. I was declined the Daily Living Component, scoring no points.

Firstly, the decision was made solely on the assessors report with the DWP not contact either my doctor or cognitive behavioural therapist, having contacted both myself and being advised that no request for information was made. I, also do not understand how they can deem me unable to undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the me (due to the fact it is impossible for me to communicate with anyone I do not know outside of my home and suffering severe adverse reactions to males if I was to 'encounter one'), but yet scoring no points on the question 'can not engage with other people due to such engagement causing either - (i) overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant; or
(ii) the claimant to exhibit behaviour which would result in a substantial risk of harm to the claimant or another person' which would have scored me enough points to be awarded the Daily Living Component. To me, these questions are one and the same and I should have been awarded points for both. I also believe that their decision was made on how I 'seemed' on the day, rather than taking into account my health in the longer term.

I am to appeal this decision, however, appreciate any advice or suggestions anyone may have.

paragon909

How do you plan on appealing the case if you need to sit in front of a male judge a male doctor and a male court clerk?

You said you were at ease with the assessor which contradicts your claim about not being able to engage with other people.

Have you tried CBT to try and change your thought regarding the male sex.

MS83

There is a difference between being in my own home, with a female and being control of a situation than having to engage with someone unknown to me, outside of my home.

If you read my post correctly you would see that I do undertake CBT.

WantToBeSE

I don't really have any advice other than to go ahead with the Mandatory Reconsideration.

Sorry that you've had to go through this, is can be so exhausting. Good Luck with your MR.

MS83

Thank you for your reply and not being judgemental or offering unhelpful 'advice'.

densol_2

paragon909 wrote: »

How do you plan on appealing the case if you need to sit in front of a male judge a male doctor and a male court clerk?

You said you were at ease with the assessor which contradicts your claim about not being able to engage with other people.

Have you tried CBT to try and change your thought regarding the male sex.

You can actually appeal on a paper based hearing. I was too ill to attend the Tribunal, and would never be able to. They took into account my written evidence and lots of medical evidence I supplied and awarded me enhanced care and standard mobility.

OP - the DWP hardly ever write out for medical evidence. Its really down to you to create a pack of supporting evidence. Ask your care professionals for as much as you can to support your case. Dont give up - put in the MR and then appeal to the Tribunal if necessary.

Alice_Holt

I've posted details about the PIP appeal process on this thread:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5490905

Hopefully it may be of use.

Have a read throgh this guide:
http://www.advicenow.org.uk/guides/how-win-pip-appeal

Another source of very useful help is:
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-appeals
and
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/mandatory-reconsideration/

Good Luck.

Points and descriptors here:
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system


Hope this is of help

I have also recently posted on https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5521997
some detailed posts which may be useful in your situation.

Mrs_Ryan

MS83 wrote: »

Hi,

I recently underwent an assessment with Capita at my home, requesting a female assessor due to the fact it is almost impossible for me to communicate with males due to suffering from PTSD after leaving a very violent and controlling relationship (please note I also suffer from agoraphobia, depression and anxiety), with me suffering panic attacks, nausea, pain and even episodes of disassociation when having to interact with males. When previously having male doctors/health professionals come to my home, they have had to leave due to the severe reaction I have had to them.

On undergoing my assessment, I was relatively 'at ease' with the assessor due to her being female, the assessment taking place in my home and me being 'in control' of the situation at hand. However, in the run up to my assessement, I was extremely 'unwell', being anxious and in extremley low mood, with me suffering from several episodes of disassosiation in the days prior due to the fact I was to have someone unknown in my home.

I have today received a letter advising me that I have been awarded the Standard Rate of Mobility having scored 10 points on 'Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant'. I was declined the Daily Living Component, scoring no points.

Firstly, the decision was made solely on the assessors report with the DWP not contact either my doctor or cognitive behavioural therapist, having contacted both myself and being advised that no request for information was made. I, also do not understand how they can deem me unable to undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the me (due to the fact it is impossible for me to communicate with anyone I do not know outside of my home and suffering severe adverse reactions to males if I was to 'encounter one'), but yet scoring no points on the question 'can not engage with other people due to such engagement causing either - (i) overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant; or
(ii) the claimant to exhibit behaviour which would result in a substantial risk of harm to the claimant or another person' which would have scored me enough points to be awarded the Daily Living Component. To me, these questions are one and the same and I should have been awarded points for both. I also believe that their decision was made on how I 'seemed' on the day, rather than taking into account my health in the longer term.

I am to appeal this decision, however, appreciate any advice or suggestions anyone may have.

I had exactly the same problem as you. I have PTSD due to an assault in 2011 but they said because I could communicate with a female assessor, I could communicate with men I didn't know so I completely sympathise with you. I argued with them until I was blue in the face and had one smarmy 'decision maker' say 'but your condition is variable' it's not- it's been like that since 2011 and isn't going to go away any time soon! I had to go all the way to tribunal in front of a male court clerk, judge and doctor and let them see me shaking in distress, sobbing and unable to lift my head and look at them before I got awarded. It seemed cruel to force me into that situation but it was the only way they could actually see the effects on me. I think it seems like they don't believe you. Don't give up though- fight it all the way. No practical advice other than that but just wanted to let you know you aren't alone and there is light at the end of the tunnel for this. Good luck x