PIP advice - awarded a higher mobility rate after starting appeal but not on Daily Living

poppy12345

peteuk said:

You would benefit from a face to face assessment, at least then you can physically pick up a pen and demonstration the difficulties you have. 

That's not going to happen now because the OP is at Tribunal stage.

vitaminz

peteuk said:

Gp letters provide very little evidence, as they will write what you want them to.  A occupational therapy assessment would hold more sway. Certainly with your physical problems.  Specialist letters carry more weight. 

The other point I would suggest is the use of often (as in often require prompting to wash) and prone (prone to wearing things inside out or back to front). These do not lend themselves to suggest they occur the majority of the the time. 

Also, and I agree harshly, when stating I can do an activity no problem, this can lead to comparisons and discredits other activities.  EG you can wash fine (so have the dexterity and grip to hold but need prompting indicating its more mental health than physical health.  This may lead an assessor to question your grip whilst cooking or eating.  Have you tried aids for cooking/eating.

You would benefit from a face to face assessment, at least then you can physically pick up a pen and demonstration the difficulties you have. 

Thanks for that, I may enquire about an OT assessment at my GP but I’m hoping perhaps a diary showing how my struggles translate into real life may help but I also understand it’s not really evidence.

poppy12345

vitaminz said:

peteuk said:

Gp letters provide very little evidence, as they will write what you want them to.  A occupational therapy assessment would hold more sway. Certainly with your physical problems.  Specialist letters carry more weight. 

The other point I would suggest is the use of often (as in often require prompting to wash) and prone (prone to wearing things inside out or back to front). These do not lend themselves to suggest they occur the majority of the the time. 

Also, and I agree harshly, when stating I can do an activity no problem, this can lead to comparisons and discredits other activities.  EG you can wash fine (so have the dexterity and grip to hold but need prompting indicating its more mental health than physical health.  This may lead an assessor to question your grip whilst cooking or eating.  Have you tried aids for cooking/eating.

You would benefit from a face to face assessment, at least then you can physically pick up a pen and demonstration the difficulties you have. 

Thanks for that, I may enquire about an OT assessment at my GP but I’m hoping perhaps a diary showing how my struggles translate into real life may help but I also understand it’s not really evidence.

Medical evidence isn't really needed for a successful PIP award. Your real world examples will also be good evidence for a Tribunal. A couple of real world examples for each descriptor that applies to you. Include detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were. Aim for at least half an A4 side of paper per descriptor that applies to you.

For a needs assessment, you don't have to go through your GP, it's quicker to refer yourself. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/ The only problem you may have is the waiting list could be quite long.