It is ridiculous, but as far as I know they are automatically saying most people are fit to work, yet 80% of those who appeal get the benefit back I believe.
I understand that ATOS who do the assessments get a fee for anyone who they get off benefits, however they don't have to pay anything back if their initial decision is overruled. So it's a win-win for them to say people are fit for work!
It angers me, my DM is seriously ill and on DLA, having had to take early retirement on ill health grounds, and it upsets me that she will have to go through the trauma of another assessment when DLA changes over to the new thing (whatever it's called, I forget!), and then probably have to go through it all again as she will have to appeal. She can't manage to do anything for herself really, other than get showered, and even after she does that she has to go and sit down and rest. She is still grieving for the loss of her old life and the person she was only a short time ago, and it's total cruelty to put her through not just one, but two assessments.
I am so disappointed with the government for preying on the weak and vulnerable in their quest to cut the deficit. 