Yes, another PIP story..

allaction

Thank you all for amazing help. I really should’ve looked into it pre application. I tend to fill stuff I straight away whilst motivated!

I’ve hypertension and asthma as well so explained when I have a panic attack it is easy to mistake for a heart or asthma attack!

I was told you cannot reapply within six months of my initial application.

Agreed it makes more sense to rattle on with the standard appeals process. Will speak to a local lady this week who helps people. She’s independent and works on these all the time.

Alice_Holt

"Was this your first application, or did you have a previous award (or DLA)?"

I asked this, as if you had a previous award those assessment papers are likely to be included in your appeal evidence bundle.

allaction

Alice_Holt wrote: »

"Was this your first application, or did you have a previous award (or DLA)?"

I asked this, as if you had a previous award those assessment papers are likely to be included in your appeal evidence bundle.

Hi,

Never claimed for anything previously. Although I’ve consistently suffered from mental health related issues I never knew help was available for people who have an income. I rent property (only a handfull but was asked how many) but have a property manager which I was asked if he was the de facto call to tenants and said he was.

Only really been made aware of pip and what it is for recently. Last twelve months have been horrific. My wife nearly died of a seizure in a swimming pool which had affected us all psychologically and our son is under the SENCO and has had multiple OT visits, paediatricians and that’s the start. Told the assessor all this and only thing I can think is I looked too calm and she didn’t believe me!

allaction

Forgot to mention the report specifically mentioned the fact I had not taken medication since 2011.

I’ve been on citalpram twice and Paroxotine was the last medication I took (re the anxiety). The side effects on that were awful and getting off it was horrific. Explained the side effects for both to assessor.

Take max dose of two tablets for hypertension and said I’d stopped taking my asthma medication as if you take ty at whilst having a panic attack it makes that worse. I’ve acid reflux so take meds for that as stress crippled my stomach with excess acid.

calcotti

The absence of medication is not evidence of the absence of a health condition - there is tribunal case law on this point.

Spoonie_Turtle

allaction wrote: »

Forgot to mention the report specifically mentioned the fact I had not taken medication since 2011.

I’ve been on citalpram twice and Paroxotine was the last medication I took (re the anxiety). The side effects on that were awful and getting off it was horrific. Explained the side effects for both to assessor.

Take max dose of two tablets for hypertension and said I’d stopped taking my asthma medication as if you take ty at whilst having a panic attack it makes that worse. I’ve acid reflux so take meds for that as stress crippled my stomach with excess acid.

You need to put this is your MR - do explain why you don't take meds for anxiety, and about the rest.

The reports are known for being inaccurate. You just need to put forth the accurate information - if the decision maker or later, the tribunal panel are concerned about contradictions then your explanation of your own evidence will likely be all they need.

allaction

calcotti wrote: »

The absence of medication is not evidence of the absence of a health condition - there is tribunal case law on this point.

Before I applied I think I’d checked something along the lines as didn’t want to raise expectations.

I felt the assessor empathised with me as she was smiling and nodding as if to say they’d had similar things happen.

Was bizarre to get zero points.

The picture of pill box and cutlery surely is some points?

Alice_Holt

" our son is under the SENCO and has had multiple OT visits"

Are you aware of DLA for children?
https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/disability-living-allowance/before-you-claim-dla/check-if-you-can-get-dla/
https://contact.org.uk/media/744270/claiming_dla_for_children.pdf

Again (like PIP) not means-tested. Paid to offset the additional costs that come with a health problem.

Alice_Holt

allaction wrote: »

Was bizarre to get zero points.

The picture of pill box and cutlery surely is some points?

Actually this could help at appeal.
It will likely cast doubt on the assessment as credible evidence in the eyes on the tribunal panel.

allaction

Alice_Holt wrote: »

" our son is under the SENCO and has had multiple OT visits"

Are you aware of DLA for children?
https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/disability-living-allowance/before-you-claim-dla/check-if-you-can-get-dla/
https://contact.org.uk/media/744270/claiming_dla_for_children.pdf

Again (like PIP) not means-tested. Paid to offset the additional costs that come with a health problem.

I wasn’t until recently but a friends lad has autism and was advised to claim. Our son needs equally as much help as their son. As he’s unable to retain more than one or two instructions I’d think that would help regarding the mobility aspect as he’d not be able to independently get to a destination. My interpretation isn’t top notch though!!

I’ve got the reports and school plan being forwarded. The lady who’s local, not sure who she works for I thought was CA but think she works out of their. She can advise on filling that in.

Many thanks for the heads up. You start to feel very alone through these process.