Help applying for DLA

dori2o

I've got the forms to claim DLA and have been told by most people to give as much evidence and written testimony as possible, but others say just keep it simple as it will look like i'm trying too hard and that they don't really read the extra info anyway.

What I have so far is this:

On the form, where it asks if you have anything else to add on the individual questions, i have 2-3 paragraphs explaining my needs with each question.

On the further information section at the end of the form I have a 2 page typed history of how I have been affected by my knee problems since the age of 13 (now 27). I have explained how it affects me now (walk with a stick and am in constant severe pain, whether sitting standing or lying), and what is expected in the future according to my orthopaedic consultant. I have also explained how this problem has hindered me in looking for a change of career, which is now unlikely to happen as the work is quite physical. I have also explained the impact on my family life, i.e. not being able to run around and enjoy my time with my kids as other fathers do.

I have also asked my consultant to write a letter confirming his current diagnosis, and also giving his opinion as to what he expects from the future in reference to my problem.

I have a written testamony from a manager at work as to my mobility problems in and around the office. I have a testamony from a friend that i socialise with on a weekly basis, and one from my wife who helps me whilst I'm with her whilst we are out and obviously at home.

What i'm worried about is that the consultant cannot diagnose where this pain is comming from, but has explained that following my last operation, if the pain persists, which it has and is now actually worse, there is nothing further he can do.

is this too much or not enough?

Any advice appreciated.

cheap_charlie

Personally I think its probably best to give MORE information about your condition than less.

My daughter receives DLA (she is autistic) and I remember being refused the lower mobility component due to not clearly explaining why she needed it. I did get it on appeal by going into more detail about how her autism can make life very dangerous for both of us whilst out and about so IMO anyway I would go into as much detail as possible.

I wish you luck - there isn't much I find harder than filling the DLA forms out but a lot of that is due to having to accept my girl is "different".

WellWisher_2

You may find this web-site very helpful; the forum section is excellent?

www.youreable.com

Good luck!

WellWisher.

[Deleted User]

The more infromation you give the better your chances of success without the need for a dla doctors visit or an appeal,after all the decision makers(DM)can only go off the info YOU provide in order to make the right decision.
As for the consultant,remember its not the medical condition that gets you DLA but the actual care/mobility issues you have.
hope that helps
John

keelyjrs

dori2o wrote: »

I've got the forms to claim DLA and have been told by most people to give as much evidence and written testimony as possible, but others say just keep it simple as it will look like i'm trying too hard and that they don't really read the extra info anyway.

What I have so far is this:

On the form, where it asks if you have anything else to add on the individual questions, i have 2-3 paragraphs explaining my needs with each question.

On the further information section at the end of the form I have a 2 page typed history of how I have been affected by my knee problems since the age of 13 (now 27). I have explained how it affects me now (walk with a stick and am in constant severe pain, whether sitting standing or lying), and what is expected in the future according to my orthopaedic consultant. I have also explained how this problem has hindered me in looking for a change of career, which is now unlikely to happen as the work is quite physical. I have also explained the impact on my family life, i.e. not being able to run around and enjoy my time with my kids as other fathers do.

I have also asked my consultant to write a letter confirming his current diagnosis, and also giving his opinion as to what he expects from the future in reference to my problem.

I have a written testamony from a manager at work as to my mobility problems in and around the office. I have a testamony from a friend that i socialise with on a weekly basis, and one from my wife who helps me whilst I'm with her whilst we are out and obviously at home.

What i'm worried about is that the consultant cannot diagnose where this pain is comming from, but has explained that following my last operation, if the pain persists, which it has and is now actually worse, there is nothing further he can do.

is this too much or not enough?

Any advice appreciated.

Give as much info as possible, how it affects you and how often. Don't try and underestimate your pain or mobility problems. Tell them exactly how bad it is. http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/ great site for advice and guidance
Good luck x

Ani-Mate_67

I used to work (for 3 years) presenting the legal argument on behalf of the DWP at Disability Appeal tribunals (appeals against the award of DLA) so I can tell you exactly what information you need to put.

You appear to be claiming for the mobility component (there is also a care component). To receive the higher rate you need to be unable to walk or virtually unable to walk. You need to have had the level of disability for 3 months and it must be expected to continue at that level or worse for the next 6 months. (The lower rate is for people that have unlimited walking ability but due to other reasons - blindness, mental impairment etc - can not go out walking without an escort.) Therefore, what you need to put on your claim form is: when your current level of disability started, whether you expect it to last for 6 months, how far you can walk before you need to stop and how long it takes you to walk that distance. Walking indoors is irrelevant, as is your ability to play with your kids. The benefit is for those people that are severely disabled and need help from another person to carry out the tasks of daily living (getting up, getting washed, getting dressed, using the toilet etc) or who are unable or virtually unable to walk. You can give extra information if you wish but it will have no bearing on the decision. If the Decision Maker is minded to make an award of the higher rate of the mobility component they have to contact a medical professional to confirm your statements so make sure your GP and consultant are aware of your limitations. Huge numbers appeals come down to a GP or consultant giving incorrect information on the form requested by the DWP simply because they don't know you well enough.

glossgal

IMHO you are trying too hard, besides as another poster said your problems finding work, playing with the kids etc are sadly not relevant to DLA because its aimed at ability to do tasks, times, frequency etc. People will say 'well it doesn't do any harm' but i think this is wrong-DM's are not particularly good at wading through the non- relevant stuff and so would probably find a shortened version of your life story quite distracting. Believe me, a distracted decision maker is not your friend! The worst case scenario of course is that it looks too calculated to be genuine

The consultant stuff is essential as at the end of the day the rest of it, even your own testimony, will play second fiddle to this. Put a little ie 1-2 paragraphs about your history of problems, how it effects family life etc but i would leave it at that. I also wouldn't make any reference to work but I'm cynical!

Good Luck!

Ani-Mate_67

I agree with Glossgal - put too much info and the Decision Maker (DM) will either get bored and not read it or if it is the end of the day and they need to make decisions to hit their targets put your file to the bottom of the pile and pick up one that is less wordy and quicker to deal with. Sorry to say they are only human (almost, anyway) and suffer from the same human frailties as the rest of us.