Advice needed regarding MR with PIP

I would take this to tribunal stage. I won my case in the end with PIPS having been awarded a year and a half award enhanced rate with 16 points the year before I had shoulder surgery to be then given only 6 points after surgery when I was far worse off, could not drive or work  and in the support group for ESA which I pointed out to them,  I won. Although I sometimes gave up all hope and the stress was awful. It is worth persevering. Best of luck 

I think your best option is to make an appointment with your GP and discuss the problem with them.  See if they are willing to write a report outlining your mobility difficulties which you can then use to support your MR. It may also be useful for anyone else in your family who knows your problems well, or who is involved with your care, to write a statement of how your condition affects you and what help you have.

Mandatory reconsiderations have to be done before you can go to appeal, and they don't have a very high success rate.  Don't be downhearted - if it's rejected stay focused and go to appeal.  60% of appeals are successful and  a lot don't even get as far as a hearing because the DWP have to re-examine their decision when they receive the appeal paperwork.  If they know the appeal is likely to succeed they will usually overturn the decision and make a revised award, in which case the tribunal would be cancelled?

Hi Natalie,

What you really need is someone that knows you very well, whom could help you complete the form. How this application is worded and completed can have drastic issues in some cases.

A carer would be ideal, or an Occupational Therapist both of which would know you on better level than CAB, (if applicable).

A letter from your GP, would in most cases would be suitable, or better still from a Consultant that specialises in your condition.

As for the PIP Application Form, the content accompanied with GP and/or Consultant letters is another bonus. What many people forget to add is all medication (amounts and how often taken in 24hrs), this should include any side effects that may effect you.

Everyone reacts differently to numerous medications, the worse being either in chronic pain or drowsiness. With me it is drowsiness, I can be 'out' in seconds, which is highly dangerous because it even happens if I'm eating, hence my wife has to wake me up, but I am on Class "A" medication, other medication react and cause many more unwanted side-effects, that I just have to live with.

The important factor is the content in your PIP Application which in theory be backed up with the correct medication, doctors notes and/or consultants letters ( You should receive copies of any hospital admissions, outpatient consultations, etc).

Granted in certain cases, no "face-to-face" assessments are required, this is mainly for people with Chronic disorders and the DWP have an obligation to adhere certain disorders.

Regards,

Les.

Hi Natalie all the above is excellent advice and you should follow ALL of it.

I would add the following. Don't just rely on the fact you received DLA as a child as this doesn't really have any relevance. This is because DLA is assessed differently to PIP and also Child DLA is assessed differently to adult DLA and PIP. I know you suffer with Dwarfism but you would also need to have the mental age of a child to be assessed as a child.

The important thing is to challenge the assessor's opinion. If you haven't got a copy then request one. If you have one then what did the assessor write about your walking ability? To qualify for PIP Mobility you must demonstrate you cannot walk more than 20m 'safely' 'in a reasonable timescale (twice the time it would take a non-disabled person)' and 'repeatedly'

So challenge the assessor’s opinion using any of those 3 descriptors. Can you walk safely without falling or stumbling for example? For example does your gait cause you problems? Can you walk 20m in a reasonable timescale due to your Dwarfism? Excuse my ignorance but does your shorter gait mean you walk more slowly? Finally can you do it repeatedly, by that I mean even though you might walk 20m in safely in a reasonable time could you do the return journey without a significant rest? Of course don’t forget that you suffer severe pain due to your stature.

Supporting evidence is the cream but don’t forget the cake which is the explanation and actual challenging of the assessor’s decision.

Personally I think you have done marvelously to get what you have (standard daily living) from a standing start. Mobility is always the harder of the 2 activities to get an award for. I’m not telling you not to try just warning you that the bar is set very high on Mobility awards.