ESA Physical Assessment query

nightsky224

Hi guys,

I am helping my mother complete a ESA Mnadatory Reconsideration (She has previously refused to let me help with her ESA stuff)

In the medical report it states that she was able to sit comfortably on the couch with her legs extended

I'm wondering if that means
a) sat with legs over the side, legs stretched out
b) laying on the couch, upright with back supported and legs extended out infront
c) something else...

She was asked to sit on the edge of the couch and lift leg up and down one at a time, and asked to lie on couch - she asked for it to be put in to a flat position but told it couldn't and so then told not to do that if it would cause pain.

There are lots of of inaccuracies (Eg saying she wasn't wearing glasses when shes blind as a bat and can't go anywhere with out them!) I'm wondering if this was one of them or if I am interpreting it wrong.

poppy12345

nightsky224 wrote: »

Hi guys,

I am helping my mother complete a ESA Mnadatory Reconsideration (She has previously refused to let me help with her ESA stuff)

In the medical report it states that she was able to sit comfortably on the couch with her legs extended

I'm wondering if that means
a) sat with legs over the side, legs stretched out
b) laying on the couch, upright with back supported and legs extended out infront
c) something else...

She was asked to sit on the edge of the couch and lift leg up and down one at a time, and asked to lie on couch - she asked for it to be put in to a flat position but told it couldn't and so then told not to do that if it would cause pain.

There are lots of of inaccuracies (Eg saying she wasn't wearing glasses when shes blind as a bat and can't go anywhere with out them!) I'm wondering if this was one of them or if I am interpreting it wrong.

What you really need to do is look at the descriptors for both groups and decide which you or she thinks she should be placed into. You then need to write the MR based on this and send any extra evidence with the letter. You have 1 month from the date of the decision to request the MR.

For WRAG she needs to score at least 15 points or reg 29.
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1354-work-related-activity-group-descriptors
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/794/regulation/29/made

For Support Group she has to satisfy at least 1 of the following descriptors, or reg 35.
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/2955-regulation-35-2-b-is-now-the-main-route-into-esa-support-group

nightsky224

Thank you, Yes thats what I am doing. However I just wanted to get clarity on this point.

Alice_Holt

Effectively the descriptor for standing and sitting looks at if you can reliably remain at a work station either sitting and standing or in combination,
If you would need to move away from a work station -i,e due to pain, cramps, or a need to lie down etc within 60 mins then points should be given.