DLA What happened when you applied?

boogiemaster

Filled in my Claim for DLA and got a letter back from them two weeks later.
It said we may write to your doctor or write to someone else who knows about my disability.
We may arrange for doctor to examine me
We may arrange for someone from the local DHSS to come out to see me?

I wanted to know about other people on here? What happened with your claim?
A doctor from the DHSS looked at me last time and I was kicked off the sick?
I went to Leeds for an appeal and won, they said I shouldn’t have been kicked off in the first place, and that if I apply for any benefits I should get them.
They said if I get turned down again? To appeal and they would award overturn their decision straight away.

I also wrote that in the letter to them when I sent off the form? I’m just hoping they give it to me this time because of what the appeals service said.
I don’t want to get turned down again and have to wait three months to see them? And then win my appeal and have to wait for my money?

I’m just so nervous about the whole thing! And the stress is of waiting dosent help.
Anyway thanks

samplerfan

When i first applied for DLA, 13+ years ago.. an independent doctor (not my gp or from local practice) was sent out to see me. He questioned me about what i could and couldnt do etc.. it was a short interview, maybe 30mins. About three weeks later i was awarded DLA at the lower rate for care and mobility.My award even then was specified for life. Since then my condition has worsened and on claiming i have been awarded gradual increases. I think it helped that i had a straightforward diagnosis as each claim for worsening condition was allowed without my having to have a doctor visit except for the infamous review of benefits which everyone on higher and middle rate DLA care component went through around 1997/99. That visit was conducted by a clerk and not a medical person. I now receive the highest rate of care and mobility and my award continues to be for life.
Sorry i cant be more help.. but good luck..i hope it comes through for you.

Ted_Hutchinson

Most DLA claimants don't have a visit from a Medical Services Examining Medical Practitioner, their decisions are made after the Decision Maker sends a questionaire related to your claims to your GP or named health professional.
Hopefully you will have had assistance from a Welfare Rights Professional or at least completed the form by using one of the guides from BHAS FREE DLA guide or those you have to pay for fromDisability living allowance, attendance allowance , incapacity ...
Both these guides have a Health Professionals checklist at the end and it's not too late to fill it in an make sure it is included in your medical notes so if your GP fills in the questinaire he will have up to date information to use rather than estimate from your medical notes which may not reflect either the amount of care you need throughout the day and night or how far you can walk unsupported outdoors before the onset of severe discomfort.

If your GP is up to date with your care/mobility needs then there should be no problem and 40 working days after your claim form was received you should have a decision. If your GP takes ages or doesn't answer the questions clearly then they may arrange and EMP visit and that will add a bit of time to the process. Most EMP visits support the claimant so don't panic if you have to be seen by one. Just make sure you have someone with you to ensure you have a witness to supervise what was said and done.
Hopefully you wil get the award you think is fair and will not need to appeal but checking out your local welfare rights office from the above link, wouldn't come amiss so, apart from posting back here in 2 months time, you know where to go for support with the appeal process.