new dla medicals

krisskross wrote: »

The first time i completed an AA form on behalf of my husband I missed out loads of his care needs simply because it was things he hadn't been able to manage for many years so it was normal for me to do them for him.

Exactly! I regularly come across situations where there is a completely frazzled wife or daughter who has been giving vast amounts of care with virtually no help and not claiming AA etc because they don't think they'd qualify as they are caring for their family. There's the been a crisis situation, usually with the carer for various reasons not being able to continue, resulting in the relative being picked up by the system.

On the other hand I've seen blatant abuse of mobility cars that are kept after a resident is admitted for full-time care and used by relatives that are not seen from one month to the next. Apparently that is perfectly acceptable in the rules as the cars being used for the residents benefit, hmmmm . . . . .

I consider myself to be of reasonable intelligence. I have a degree in maths, a degree equivalent in English and am part way through a degree in Theology, I have had to take a break from studying due to my disabilities. I am also multilingual, which suggests I have an ability with words.

However, my disabilities override all this!

When I applied for DLA I could not fill in the forms myself. I couldn't work out what information was required. (I have ASD which includes verbal processing difficulties). I needed help to fill in the forms. I went to DIAL who were amazing. They listened to what I had to say and made an honest assessment of what they thought I might be entitled to. They then completed the paperwork and sent it away. They also dealt with the (inevitable) refusal and tribunal process.

When I was refused DLA initially, I asked for reasons - the grounds given suggested that my application form had not been read. They suggested I don't need any help outside, that I don't fall over, that I am capable of cooking a mail unaided ....and yet my form, and my specialists report state clearly the help I need outside, the fact that I lose my balance and fall over, and the help I need to prepare a meal. The tribunal not only accepted my application, but gave me an indefinite award as they accept my condition will not improve.

I am actually quite happy to have a medical. If the government has the money, I will submit to a medical every year if they want. I am not a malingerer, or a benefit fraudster.(Given the choice of existing on my meagre benefits of being able to work again, I would choose work every time). I am not afraid of a genuine medical.....And that is the problem. ATOS do not give you a fair medical. Any medical I undergo should be by a qualified doctor (and ATOS medicals are not necessarily carried out by doctors) and preferably someone with specialist knowledge of my condition. How else can they make a fair decision?

I am not afraid of a medical. I am, however, extremely afraid of an examination by an incompetent clerk with a decidedly suspect computer program, and of being found fit for work - a decision which goes against the advice of my GP and Specialist.

sox8369 wrote: »

I think that the main issue lies with complete inconsistancy with the decision makers - either some are incompetant, dont read the forms or are ...whatever ?

I've found this. Mind you, tribunals can be just as bad - I got told that if I wear nappies, I should have no problem wiping myself after going toilet - it would cause more problems.

kingfisherblue wrote: »

but without going into too much detail, there is no way he could clean himself after a soiled nappy without creating even more mess! And that's when the nappy doesn't leak _pale_

I have completely different issues to your son; but what you've said is one of the problems I know I would have. And then there's trying to find somewhere and someone to change me. (I don't have the vision to do it myself)