Does this report warrant putting in a PIP application?

fitzykev

Hi can anyone tell me if this report warrants putting in a PIP Application? The main way my pain affects me is i need to sit down for short periods stand for short periods and lay flat for short periods. I cant get much sleep also.

MRI Spine lumbar

(iemo4330) - some minor disc bulging lower spine, possibly some nerve irritation at one level, speak to JM Date OF X-ray 15 Aug 2025 19.00 15/08/2025, 19:34, MRI Spine lumbar

Technique: Routine MRI lumbar spine protocol.

Findings: Transitional lumbosacral junction. Left L5 transverse process articulates with the sacrum. Lumbar pars intact. Minor spondylosis with minor marginal osteophytosis and facet joint arthrosis. No concerning marrow lesion.

Visualised spinal cord normal. Conus medullaris appropriately sited.

L3/L4 and L4/L5 discs are mildly degenerative.

L3/L4 level: Disc bulge. Minor facet joint arthrosis. No nerve root compromiso

L4/15 level: Mild disc bulge. Minor facet joint arthrosis. Potential irritation of the traversing 15 nerve roots. No nerve root compression.

L5/S1 level: No nerve root compromise. Visualised paraspinal tissues unremarkable. Conclusion:

1. Potential irritation of the traversing L5 nerve roots at L4-15.

Name: \x09\\X09\Dr. Alastair Campbe11 Grade:\x09\Consultant Radiologist GMC: \X09\\X09\6031172

Reported by

Alastair Campbell

Clinical History - MLUSP

back pain following a fall in 2017- no fracture L314 disc space narrowing on XR in january increased pain radiating round both hips difficult to control with analgesia o/e tender mid lumbar spine power 5/5 LLs, no paraesthesia ? nerve root compromise

marcia_

fitzykev said:

Hi can anyone tell me if this report warrants putting in a PIP Application? The main way my pain affects me is i need to sit down for short periods stand for short periods and lay flat for short periods. I cant get much sleep also.

MRI Spine lumbar

(iemo4330) - some minor disc bulging lower spine, possibly some nerve irritation at one level, speak to JM Date OF X-ray 15 Aug 2025 19.00 15/08/2025, 19:34, MRI Spine lumbar

Technique: Routine MRI lumbar spine protocol.

Findings: Transitional lumbosacral junction. Left L5 transverse process articulates with the sacrum. Lumbar pars intact. Minor spondylosis with minor marginal osteophytosis and facet joint arthrosis. No concerning marrow lesion.

Visualised spinal cord normal. Conus medullaris appropriately sited.

L3/L4 and L4/L5 discs are mildly degenerative.

L3/L4 level: Disc bulge. Minor facet joint arthrosis. No nerve root compromiso

L4/15 level: Mild disc bulge. Minor facet joint arthrosis. Potential irritation of the traversing 15 nerve roots. No nerve root compression.

L5/S1 level: No nerve root compromise. Visualised paraspinal tissues unremarkable. Conclusion:

1. Potential irritation of the traversing L5 nerve roots at L4-15.

Name: \x09\\X09\Dr. Alastair Campbe11 Grade:\x09\Consultant Radiologist GMC: \X09\\X09\6031172

Reported by

Alastair Campbell

Clinical History - MLUSP

back pain following a fall in 2017- no fracture L314 disc space narrowing on XR in january increased pain radiating round both hips difficult to control with analgesia o/e tender mid lumbar spine power 5/5 LLs, no paraesthesia ? nerve root compromise

 Your report isnt a reason why you would be granted PIP which is awarded based on your daily living and mobility needs. Have a google of the points test and see if you think you would get any points in any of the categories 

Muttleythefrog

In focusing on the PIP activities and descriptors that you think apply to you I'd analyse the report to see if there are any contradictions and if not then likely I would include it as confirming medically of some of the relevant problems related to claim.... even better if specific elements of the report directly supportive of claimed problems.

Taylor2000

You could try the Benefits and Work PIP test https://benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-self-test

Spoonie_Turtle

When considering PIP you need to know what the activities cover (for instance cooking does not include using an oven, only a hob) and how they're assessed - see particularly the concept of RELIABLY
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#reliability-1

born_again

You might want to edit the post to remove the name of the person writing the report

Muttleythefrog

born_again said:

You might want to edit the post to remove the name of the person writing the report

The spin doctor....lol.. I presume not the one and same!

Grumpy_chap

AIUI, PIP is not about any medical diagnosis but about the impact on activities of daily living.

bob7bob

My husband was on DLA for some years. At one of his reviews he was taken off of it so we appealed. I copied all of the relevant medical records and highlighted relevant bits and sent them in. At his hearing he was asked one question. "When walking, are you in pain before you start?" The reply was "yes". He won his appeal. It isn't what's wrong with you, it's how it affects your daily life. You can download the forms to read before you make an application. Read them carefully and be honest about how your condition affects you on your worst days.

Muttleythefrog

Grumpy_chap said:

AIUI, PIP is not about any medical diagnosis but about the impact on activities of daily living.

It is but underlying conditions are typically significant factors in explaining the problems and for the DWP and HCPs justifying their opinions/decisions. In every single descriptor applied to me in assessments there is condition referenced that has formal diagnosis - not always the right one admittedly...lol. Without explanative underlying diagnosis it can be difficult to persuade of problems.... even more so I'd say where the conditions are not obvious like mental illness or are physically unobservable as may be the case here. 

Muttleythefrog

bob7bob said:

My husband was on DLA for some years. At one of his reviews he was taken off of it so we appealed. I copied all of the relevant medical records and highlighted relevant bits and sent them in. At his hearing he was asked one question. "When walking, are you in pain before you start?" The reply was "yes". He won his appeal. It isn't what's wrong with you, it's how it affects your daily life. You can download the forms to read before you make an application. Read them carefully and be honest about how your condition affects you on your worst days.

This is not advised for PIP which looks at what is relevant for the majority of the time. This is an important 'shift' from DLA where often the 'worst day' was advised to describe. With credibility of claimant important it is key to get right for PIP as often when things go wrong the claimant is simply not believed because they seem to be exaggerating or such.