Disability Benefits

DJBenson

I have suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for almost 10 years and this year decided to try and apply for some benefits and also the blue badge scheme. I applied, was sent the forms and went to see the doctor to fill the forms in. The doctor I saw (not my own GP) was not very sympathetic/helpful and rubbished my claim without being in full posession of the facts.

Both my DLA (or whatever it's called) and my blue badge were declined (not surprising).

A month or so later I went to the doctors again, this time seeing a different GP, and he was shocked when I explained the reaction of the previous doctor. He looked at my records (have only been at the surgery for 12 months) and agreed that my condition was certainly classed as a disability and approved my letter.

Got a reply from the blue badge scheme to say it had been approved this time which is good news.

Now, do you think it would be worthwhile (and is it possible) to re-apply for the DLA benefits given the fact that 1) I have now been awarded the blue badge and 2) I have a GP and rheumatologist who can coroborate my claims?

dmg24

No harm in applying ... x

[Deleted User]

absolutely,as long as its 3 months(i think)since your original application,do as much research on line as you can before filling in the form,and take time to answer thoroughly,whilst i dont advocate lying in anyway,dont fall into the trap of being too positive about your situation,tell it as it is,if you have letters from gp consultant and any others that will help send them in with the forms,make sure you photo-copy the application and send it registered post
the link below is to an excellent site that offers first class info on dla,however they do charge for an annual membership
Benefits and Work Forum (Powered by Invision Power Board)

good luck

dmg24

There is no required waiting period between DLA applications x

[Deleted User]

dmg24 wrote: »

There is no required waiting period between DLA applications x

sorry i was confusing with the 3 months wait before you can apply for DLA

LizzyBee

Hi DJ

I have just won an appeal for DLA against DWP. I not only won the appeal but had it backdated to the original claim date and further more it has been awarded for 5 years.

The claim forms are very tricky and I think designed to confuse you and trip you up.

I found the following site brilliant

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk

There is a small fee but believe me it is well worth it.

Claim again, dont give up you are entitled to this benefit.

Good Luck

Lizzy

shykins

i just had my DLA appeal overturned after my dr told them i had full range of movements,, it took 6months but they agreed in the end that he was talking rubbish and i now have both parts of DLA again

yes its long and time consuming but dont give up

x

isualive

Go for it. You could always get your local CAB to help with the form.

DJBenson

Thanks guys. I knew at the time when I saw the doctor first time round that I would not get it, he made a comment along the lines of "it's not as if you've had a stroke or anything"!!

Will apply again and ensure that both the decent GP and my rheumatologist is contacted for further information if need be.

I take it that being awarded the Blue Badge will not count towards the "scoring" for the DLA - one organisation has decided that I am eligible for some form of discretionary treatment due to my condition.

woodbine - I almost posted something along the same lines. I know a couple of people where I work who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis who are receiving DLA, granted one has had a few joint replacements (which luckily I haven't) but they said to ensure the form is filled in on a "worst day" scenario, same when the doctor comes to assess.

This annoys me somewhat because although my condition is very painful and does stop me from doing things that I'd like to do (and some things that are necessary to do such as putting on socks/shoes) I have to a great extent learned to cope with the condition. The pain is always there, and there are days when it is agonising, but having suffered for 10 years, I just "get on with it".

zzzLazyDaisy

Go for it again, and get as much advice as you can get.

If at all possible, try to get letters of support from your GP and consultant and send them in with your application as often the DLA don't even contact the medical advisers.

Also it is worth mentioning that you have a blue badge, repeating what the criteria are and confirming your GP supported your application for a blue badge. I don't suppose you kept a photocopy of the form your GP signed, did you? If so send that to DLA too, as proof that you meet the mobility requirements in your GP's view.

Finally, keep copies of everything you send - its amazing how often papers get lost.

DJBenson

Unfortunately I didn't, I don't suppose a copy of my actual badge would count would it (afterall the proof is the receipt of the badge I would say).

I have written a cover letter explaining the unfair circumstances surrounding the first application and that a subsequent application to the Blue Badge scheme has been accepted - hopefully they will take that on board.