Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

Re: Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

I thought you might.

Think about the shortest interval you can sit without discomfort, and say you have to move after that time.

I don't suppose you have quite the same problem lying down?

[jsmith589]

Re: Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

Hi there,
Thanks again for your posts.
I do have discomfort if I sit for some time yes. The time really differs, I suppose I notice it most if I drive to work, when I am sat at my desk at work or when watching tv at home.
The best way to minimise the pain is to get up and stretch for a little bit.

[john 1963]

Re: Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

I agree with CC you deffo need a new GP

Re: Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

Do you have much discomfort - or pain - if you remain sitting in one position for any length of time?

[jsmith589]

Re: Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

Thanks for all of your posts.
I have tried to be as honest as I can with this form, but I can now see that if I am likely to get any help at all, I need to really think about when my condition has been at its worst.

I did mention in my response letter that ready meals are not a healthy choice. It says in their response they are looking more at mental capacity to prepare a meal for this component then stamina to stand and actually do it.

Regarding walking for 30 minutes. It really depends. On a really bad day, I can remember once when I was out, I literally couldn't walk at all and had to sit for almost an hour before hobbling off. This happens rarely but does still happen. I am always in pain so I suppose the answer would be, I can't walk anywhere without being in pain. I am in pain now and I am sat at a desk typing this.
They have put: "While it is accepted that he m4y experience pain and discomfort, at times, by his own statement, he is able to walk for about 30 minutes at a time, and is also able to commute to his employment using public transport" I made it very clear I really struggle with this as if there is nowhere for me to sit, I am in agony. I am also finding public transport considerably more expensive than using my car and something which I cannot sustain.

It does say at the start of their reply letter that I can contact them within two weeks with any comments I have about the info contained in the response.
So I will write a response explaining about the walking for 30 minutes.


They have also said in their letter that the very fact I am able to go to work shows it can't be that bad. I find this pretty shocking as I make it very clear in the other comments section that I am really struggling to get to work at the moment. Makes me wonder why I bother!

Re: Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

I put on my form that I can walk for up to 30 minutes before the pain is very strong.

That's why it was refused.

If there are days when you can barely walk for five minutes without being in agony, then that's what you put on the form.

Their response was that 30 minutes is long enough that I do not need DLA help and that the microwave meals are satisfactory and again mean I don't need any help.

Ready meals hardly provide a balanced diet.

I have found my GP has not been that helpful just prescribing me pain killers which make absolutely no difference. Last time I saw them, I said I was concerned about the problem as I am still quite young and the GP acted as if I was almost making a fuss over nothing.

Change your GP, as that one is NBG.

[ostell]

Re: Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

I put on my form that I can walk for up to 30 minutes before the pain is very strong

Wrong response. How far can you walk without ANY pain? Worst conditions answer.

[jsmith589]

Re: Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

Hello, thanks for your reply.I have never heard of the CABour local disability rights group. I will look them up. My condition is permanent and won't get better with time, I have had it since 16. I am able to walk 20 meters or more, I put on my form that I can walk for up to 30 minutes before the pain is very strong. I am not able to carry bags etc whilst doing so as this causes more pain. I also put that I find it very hard to cook meals as I am required to stand up for a while and this causes pain. I have resorted to having quick to prepare ready meals which are microwavable. Their response was that 30 minutes is long enough that I do not need DLA help and that the microwave meals are satisfactory and again mean I don't need any help. I have found my GP has not been that helpful just prescribing me pain killers which make absolutely no difference. Last time I saw them, I said I was concerned about the problem as I am still quite young and the GP acted as if I was almost making a fuss over nothing. I don't feel that anyone is too interested and I am shocked at how long I have to wait until I am getting referrals. I really believe that if they were to help me a little now, whilst I am younger, I wouldn't need any help when I am much older.

[seduraed]

Re: Disability Allowance Claim, going to tribunal

Have you been to the CABour local disability rights group. ask them for help. DLa has two parts acare component and a mobility component . When filling in the forms or atending the tribunal it is important to use the correct wording . Were you ill for six weeks before you made the initial application and does your condition persist . Then youneed to showhow your mobility isaffected.canyou walk at all ?Can you walk 20 meteres?Do you need helpon a day to day basis with cooking dressing using the lavatory? These are some of the things that you need to take into account. At the the tribunal itself there will be three assesors present . A district judge, a medical practitioner and a disability expert . These people are not your friends. remember always anser questions as if the problem is on your worsr day . Don't put a brave face on things. you may need a letter from your GP they usually charge for this .