PIP mandatory reconsideration

[jajhgyt]

I'm not sure how to go about this. Should I break down each criteria and rip them apart or just ask they look again? Do I point out that you don't need a diagnosis for PIP and so the 'suspected' condition should not be dismissed? Should I tell them ignoring the diagnosed condition because they don't have enough knowledge in the subject is unacceptable?

Gah, I'm actually fuming.

Anyway I don't know if I'm supposed to go through it and use criteria and explain why I think the decision is wrong or if I'm just supposed to ask them to reconsider.

Any help would be fab, not giving it to welfare rights or cab as I'm able to articulate what I need I just don't know if that's what they are asking

Google the website benefits and work. Subscription is cheap and they walk you through the whole process of an MR

You were the one who brought up self diagnosis

You can get virtually the same information free online elsewhere. (CAB, charities for your condition, etc)

Yes, in response to the OP having said they were self diagnosed awaiting a referral. Maybe I wasn’t clear in the way I worded my post, so I’ll try and simplify what I was trying to say, which was even with an appropriate diagnosis, some conditions are difficult to claim PIP for, especially mental health related conditions, so with self-diagnosis it would be even more difficult.

Yes, in response to the OP having said they were self diagnosed awaiting a referral.

I absolutely did not say this.

Thanks, it's not help with the actual filling of the form I just wasn't sure if it was appropriate to break it down and challenge them. I don't want to come across rude by doing so and as far as I knew asking them to look at it again didn't invite the break down.

My apologies, I have misunderstood your post then. I wasn’t quoting ad verbatim but that was what I understood from what I read in your OP.

I'm actually astonished that anyone could be awarded PIP without having a diagnosed medical condition. On that basis surely people could self-diagnose with anything and 'game' the form. Is that actually true?

No, it's not true. You don't need a diagnosis but you do need evidence. You don't just tell them you have something.

Not really. You need something to give weight to what you're telling them. A history of reporting systems to your GP, prescriptions for pain etc helps to show you haven't completely invented it. Also where there is doubt people often have to have an in person assessment so they get a good look at you, how you sit, move, respond, as well as how you answer the questions. Plus as this thread testifies, they do not award lightly and seem to err on the side of refusal. It's far far more likely you'll be refused when you should have been awarded that game the system.

I'm just not sure how you can have evidence without there being a specific, diagnosed condition. Would the evidence not allow diagnosis? This would maybe then help access PIP if you see what I mean?

So rather than claiming PIP based on evidence, it might make sense to use the evidence to seek a diagnosis which might make it easier to prove you need PIP. I hope that makes sense!

It's worth writing down each point you disagree with. State why you disagree and your evidence for it

Do it meticulously.

However, do it because when you go to appeal (as most people have to as very very few MR's work) it gives the appeal panel a clear indication to your points.

My DDs PIP appeal was awarded when the panel read the pack. She got a call on the morning of her appeal to say she didn't need to go in as the panel felt there was enough evidence to award her high for both.

@MyOtherNameToday

I'm just not sure how you can have evidence without there being a specific, diagnosed condition. Would the evidence not allow diagnosis? This would maybe then help access PIP if you see what I mean?

Lots of people are treated for conditions without diagnosis, that's not uncommon.

So rather than claiming PIP based on evidence, it might make sense to use the evidence to seek a diagnosis which might make it easier to prove you need PIP. I hope that makes sense!

People make the choice to claim PIP, they don't really get to make the choose to seek a diagnosis. That's down to the medics. It's not an either or.

Just to be clear I get PIP at highest level and got it on first application but I really did have a very clear-cut diagnosis of a serious, incurable, progressive illness.

I'm sorry to hear that, but it doesn't mean everyone is in the same boat. The NHS is on its knees, if they can treat and not refer at GP level that is what they will do.

Not really because you need to have evidence of things pertaining to the condition.

My DD was awarded DLA, as was, long before she finally got her Narcolepsy diagnosis, but the frequent injuries, countless tests, problems with safety at school etc was enough to show that she had a serious health issue that meant she required considerably more care than a child of that age normally would - the Drs just hadn't pinpointed what was causing it yet.

The thing is PIP is for enduring conditions rather than transient ones as far as I know. So usually if people have enduring symptoms it will help lead to a diagnosis. I understand it's very frustrating that NHS waiting lists are slowing down diagnosis.

I cross-posted with you @ARichtGoodDram but your daughter is a case of that in action. I'm sorry it took so long to get a diagnosis and I hope it has made things more manageable.

The thing is PIP is for enduring conditions rather than transient ones as far as I know. So usually if people have enduring symptoms it will help lead to a diagnosis. I understand it's very frustrating that NHS waiting lists are slowing down diagnosis.

That's not how it works.

?

You do realise some people with health issues never get a diagnosis @MyOtherNameToday ?

Not just because of waiting lists or anything, but because some things are impossible to specifically test for and rule in or out.

Also a diagnosis often gives no actual clues to someone's needs. My DD and her best friend both have narcolepsy (met through a support group).

One is heavily medicated. Suffers cataplexy multiple times a day. Multiple injuries on a regular basis and often has automatic behaviours, which is highly dangerous.

The other has two tablets a day and lives a pretty normal life other than not driving as they are not confident enough as their narcolepsy started from nowhere after an illness. No automatic behaviour and hasn't had a serious injury (needing hospital treatment) for several years.

Benefits and work website is worth the joining fee, it is a wealth of info and moderated by expert admins.

For pip it should be how you are on your worst day. If variable, say quantifiable info 'on 5 days out of 7'.

Honestly? I didn't realise that.

I know people who have needed years or even a decade plus to be diagnosed (I was one of them!) but I honestly thought at a certain point even the bloody NHS would eventually figure things out! It's horrifying how long people are left with weird symptoms and dismissed, especially women 😞

I don't really understand the point of this.

You obviously don't believe my undiagnosed condition exists and feel I should not get PIP, I'm not fussed, but I won't be sharing to 'prove' myself either so o think this exchange ends here.

What the Hell... How did you seriously think everyone gets a diagnosis of something for every health issue they have?

Use the PIP descriptors www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

For each relevant point say: (for example) you said I could cook a meal without any support. I disagree with this, I need my partner to be with me to keep me safe if I am cooking a meal. When they were not supervising me, this bad thing happened. If I do not have the support available, I often fail to eat or I eat pre packed sandwiches. My condition X has the side effect Y which affects me 5 days out 7, and this means that I cannot cook because reason. For these reasons, I believe that I should score 2 points.

Or alternatively, just request an MR with minimal detail, accept that the vast majority of MR's fail, and put your efforts into compiling a strong appeal case.

Please don't pay anyone to submit your MR/appeal. There are many agencies out there who will do it for free, and there is no magic formula or route to success.