PIP GPs supporting letter - Is this enough detail? Sorry, a bit of a long post

[Nicehamsandwich]

I was awarded PIP standard rate for daily living 2 years ago, for the effects of a genetic condition. I was awarded 4 points for mobility (not enough for an award), because I can’t walk far. I didn’t get any points for not being able to undertake an unfamiliar journey unaided. This is my greatest problem though. I literally feel like a stranger in the city I’ve lived all my life. Away from my neighbourhood, I cannot find my way around. Everyone I know says they’ve never come across someone who is so terrible or gets into such messes wherever I go (apart from my neighbourhood). The report said because I could explain a complex medical history, they felt I was capable of getting around. They said DVLA haven’t reported any problems (this is possibly because I barely use the car and just go around a few streets because I’m too dangerous to do anything else. )They also said I don’t have mental health support for anxiety. I’ve not got generalised anxiety. The only thing that makes me really anxious is finding my way about and avoid it by not going anywhere on my own unless it’s within a mile or 2 of home. I feel more and more isolated as my confidence gets less and I am getting older and more physically limited. I only get taxis for places I really have to get to, and turn down a lot of social things .

I got a diagnosis of dyscalculia (maths also atrocious) which stated this explained my difficulty in finding my way about. I sent in a change of circumstances after I got this, but was turned down again. I’m now asking for a mandatory reconsideration. I had help doing this and they advised getting a GPs supporting letter too. I’m wondering if after 2 failed mobility claims the letter might not be enough. If anyone has any experience do you think the para below is sufficient?

The letter says I have a diagnosis of dyscalculia, can’t read/interpret and directions and am unable to use a satnav safely and have found myself in dangerous situations as I can’t concentrate on the road at the same time,

It says I struggle with public transport as I can’t figure out which side of the road I need to be on or which stop or platform I need. It says these things have caused me a great deal of anxiety when travelling and hopes they will take into account the impact this is having on my life.

Look for Charlie Anderson on Youtube. She is really good with PiP (all areas). You can actually contact her and she offers group & personal sessions to help you get through the process.

Have you thought about getting an agency such as DIAL involved? They helped me immensely and id recommend them to anyone, they spend time going through everything with you and know which points to make extra clear. Im sure there are other agencies that help with things like this if you dont have DIAL locally, may be worth looking in to

Thank you both. The guy at a local advice charity helped me fill in the mandatory reconsideration and I felt it really gives examples of the problems I have and their impact on me. The GPs letter just doesn’t seem to back this up enough but I might be wrong and it has in what is needed. I’ll have a look at DIAL and Charlie Anderson. Thanks

I think the part of the problem is the letter suggests one thing and the no condition reported to the DVLA are at odds with each other. If your condition is impacting you that much (which I’m not questioning) then it does need reporting the the DVLA.

In all honesty op I also have dyscalculia and a bad sense of direction.. but I wouldn't expect to be able to claim PIP for it. What would the money buy me that could change it?

ohthejoys. Mine would pay for taxis so I could get to places I want to go or need to go. I am on a limited fixed income and I can’t justify taxis unless it’s absolutely essential. Sirzy. I see what you’re saying but I’m safe driving up the road to my GP and local shops. My driving is fine. It’s getting anyway else I don’t do, because I wouldn’t be safe. I just don’t do it as it could put others at risk as well as myself. I’m no danger at all driving 5 or 10 mins round my immediate neighbourhood.

Sirzy. Mine goes beyond a bad sense of direction. Apart from going to a few very familiar places, I am completely disoriented. I turn out of car parks and buildings the wrong way. If I had to get a bus I’d not used before, I’d have no idea which side of the road to get it from. This is in the city I’ve lived my whole life. Once I’m away from my immediate home turf, I might as well be in a different country.

You need to report that to the DVLA. It doesn't necessarily mean you will lose your license but they will need to assess your safety. PIP will need to see evidence of this otherwise they will say that evidence of holding a license with no communication with DVLA is evidence that you don't have the difficulty you are claiming.

Another person saying you need to report it to the DVLA because you're saying you have a medical condition that effects you driving safely.

It doesn't matter if you think you are safe under certain conditions- you're telling us you are not safe unless under certain conditions which means you need this to be assessed.

"can’t read/interpret and directions and am unable to use a satnav safely and have found myself in dangerous situations as I can’t concentrate on the road at the same time,"

@Nicehamsandwich have you informed the DVLA? They may ask you to complete a questionnaire and assess you.

Believe me, I know how shit it is as I've lost my own licence, so I'm not unsympathetic but you don't sound safe to drive.

can’t read/interpret and directions and am unable to use a satnav safely and have found myself in dangerous situations as I can’t concentrate on the road at the same time,"

see what you’re saying but I’m safe driving up the road to my GP and local shops. My driving is fine.

I think PIP will take the view these two statements are contradictory, which they are. It won't lend credence to your claim, it may be the opposite.

Thank you all so much. This is really helpful. I’ve never thought of contacting the DVLA as I don’t even attempt to drive anywhere apart from a couple of minutes distance from home. After a few attempts about 10 years ago, I knew it was not safe and either get a taxi, a lift or don’t go to the places I’d like to go. It looks highly unlikely I’ll get mobility, but if I’m not entitled to it, then I’m not.

Even if you decide not to pursue the PIP claim you do still need to inform the DVLA as there are safety concerns with your fitness to drive. This needs to be assessed. You won't necessarily lose your license but you will need to prove to them that you understand the circumstances that you are safe & not safe to drive. You invalidate your insurance as well as potentially put yourself & others at risk.

I've got a serious mental health illness & have been allowed to drive a lot of the time but do have to report to DVLA & have to renew my license & be assessed every year.

serencwtch thanks for the advice . It had never even crossed my mind before this thread .