PIP - Moving Around Element

[JMC27]

When they moved from DLA to PIP I was awarded 4 for 'Moving Around' namely I could 'stand and move unaided more than 20 meters but no more than 50 meters.'

I have always struggled with the binary nature of this - namely that the nature of disability of not black and white. I have a prothetis (which is classed as an aid) - I cant move without my leg the same as a wheelchair user - anyway that is by the by.

When I appealled my points were that sometimes I can walk more and sometimes less, it depends on my stump and conditions. i.e. when carry items I can walk less, or when it is icy etc. I also have upper limb disabilities (overall affecting 3 limbs)

The outcome was that 20-50 m is right a majority of the time - and I fully understand the test.

It has always irked me and wondered whether anyone has had a similar expierence, a different experience, whether they has been any relevant case law in the last 5 years and whether I should get a review?

Carrying stuff or the path being icy is irrelevant - the test is about how far you can move on a level, reasonably smooth, outdoor surface, not carrying anything

@Nonametonight is that with or without a mobility aid?

Thanks – I get that’s how the test is framed, but my point was more about how rigid the assessment is, especially when conditions fluctuate and multiple disabilities interact. It doesn’t always reflect real-world mobility. Was just wondering if others felt the same or had appealed based on that kind of variability?

That is with my prothesis - however I believe the test is aided or unaided. Without I can hop a bit but that is about it

That's what i was thinking without you aid you are pretty immobile and even with you will have pain (I'd have thought)

CAB say

When the assessor decides which descriptor applies to you, they must consider whether you can carry out the activity reliably. This means:

• safely in a way that is unlikely to cause harm either to you or anyone else, either during the activity or afterwards
• to an acceptable standard
• repeatedly as often as is reasonably required
• in a reasonable time period - should take you no more than twice as long someone without your condition

&

Using aids or appliances
Your ability to carry out the daily living activities and the mobility activities will be assessed as if you were wearing or using any aids or appliances that it would be reasonable for you to use. This applies whether or not you normally use those aids or appliances. However, if you use or need aids and appliances, this can help you to score more points.

An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn’t have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking, or a walking stick to help you stand.

Check your award letter - you're saying you got 4 PTS which is for moving 50-200m, but that you think it was decided you can move 20-50m.

It sounds like you ought to have 10 PTS for being able to walk 20-50m with an aid.

If you can evidence that the majority of the time you cannot manage to walk 20m (safely, in an acceptable period of time, repeatedly, and without excessive pain or exhaustion), then it might be worth trying to get your award reviewed, but it's very risky, as the whole of your pip award would be reviewed, potentially risking losing any pip award you currently have.

The system is rigid. It's a big criticism of the system. But the decision makers and tribunal judges all have to stick to the system - they can't change the law just for you