PMR and ESA
Posted , 8 users are following.
I have not spoken much in the forum in recent weeks as I have been cripplingly depressed and suffering from a series of flair ups. To make things worse my immune system has taken a nose-dive and so have had severe mouth sores for over 14 weeks and am just now coming out of heavy antibiotics.
Am so unhappy and overwelmed with all the medication I have to take.
And now I have been assessed "well" and unable to claim ESA after scoring ZERO points in the assssement,
I know this is very common and the usual appeal has to be made.
Has anybody ever been successful?
They also said they did not receive the form I filled-in to claim in the first place!!!!!
I dont know how to gather the strength to bother anymore. My position seems doomed from the get go.
None of the tests at the assessment were relevent to PMR and I said this but they did not listen.
How do I put a succinct and believable appeal together when I feel terrible and I am dying inside?
1 like, 14 replies
Anhaga Gone_Girl
Posted
Gone_Girl Anhaga
Posted
Anhaga Gone_Girl
Posted
So no help then.
Do you live near any of the support groups they have in the UK? Check the Health Unlocked site. If you aren't a member there it's worth signing up as there is another great forum, plus information how to find the support groups.
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pmr-gca-website-addresses-and-resources-35316
andypolly Gone_Girl
Posted
You need to go to Citizens Advice. I'm a volunteer advisor and Cit A can help you with your appeal. If you fillled in the form yourself then in my experience prople tend to underplay their problems. You can drop into your local Cit A bureau or contact via our the website. I doubt I can put the address on here so won't try. Just google Citizens Advice.
Charlieschoc Gone_Girl
Posted
First of all I'm sending you a hug... A big one..
Sounds like you need it.
Are you having treatment for your depression?
Did you include your depression in your claim?
I would ask for a gp appointment. Ask him for help with your low mood. Tell him you need help with your claim. It sounds like your surgery lost your form.
There is help out there for filling these forms in and appeals. If you phone your local job centre they may be able to tell you where to find help.
Don't give up. Make that appeal.
Take care. Jen xx
Gone_Girl Charlieschoc
Posted
That they cannot explain.
It just shows what claiments are up against
Silver49 Gone_Girl
Posted
I agree that it sounds like they have lost it. I would suggest taking a photocopy of any future forms though when you are feeling so unwell it's not what you want to do. Citizens Advice is the best place for help. It is appalling what the DWP do to people but they are puppets on the end of a string and only doing what the government has instigated. Good luck with your appeal.
Chickentkerr Gone_Girl
Posted
I do hope you're feeling better soon. I have just been diagnosed with GCA & PMR. I work for a housing association and have recently completed a training course for various benefit applications. It is standard for them to refuse the first application. Visit your local CAB office for help to make the appeal add as much supporting evidence as you can get your hands on from your GP, consultant etc. Good luck.
FlipDover_Aust Chickentkerr
Posted
"standard to refuse the first application"... what sort of system is this????
I find this incredulous!
Silver49 FlipDover_Aust
Posted
I wouldn't say it is standard but a lot depends on how the form is completed and the amount of supporting evidence there is from the medical profession etc. Many people play down their symptoms/ disabilities. This can be down to pride or looking on the positive rather than knowing that they need to put in as much relevant detail as possible. Sometimes people give scanty information thinking the diagnosis will say it all. These are non medical people who are reading the applications. My sister who has a nursing background can sort them out!!
Gone_Girl
Posted
I know deep down it is not an impossible situation...just feel EVERYTHING is working against me today.
You all know that when everything hurts, all looks bleak.
I have a phone number to call tomorrow and so will take it from there.
So upset that officials judging me have no idea what PMR is and treated me as though I was making it up.
I am weary with having to explain myself over and over again.
I will keep in touch here to keep you up-to-date with the saga.
This subject is unecessary, monotonous, hardwork and infuriatingly BORING
kathy67492 Gone_Girl
Posted
Sorry, I am in the U.S. So don't know the protocol for the U.K. But hope you will take the sound advice of this forum and find some support for all the problems you are having??
linda17563 Gone_Girl
Posted
My sister has had these problems in the last couple of years....she had to appeal, and they also "lost" her application.....
?What she did find out though, from someone else going through these problems...is there is someone at the local council authority, to help people fill in these forms correctly....he was brilliant....please ring them or citizens advice if no luck there.
?Basically your doctor has the evidence what`s wrong with you, and the treatment....this is a common problem it seems....so don`t panic, it will make you feel more ill with the stress, it did my sister........try council first, they come out to you....if not as said on here ad other posts....citizens advice.......good luck!
Silver49 linda17563
Posted
I don't know if all councils have a Welfare Rights team but many do and as you have said it is another option for assistance.