Sorry it has been a while between posts. As with you all we have had the Welfare Green Paper etc to get around.

Thanks to the guys that keep this running, regardless of this site's media profile, you are a good friend to us all.

We await a reply from our legal firm who are considering papers but it takes time.

I also note that from claimants I come across elsewhere and who are not HIV+ there seems to be a tend to cut back DLA relying on people being to unwell to challenge or those who will not go through a protracted appeals procedure.

On friend who is HIV+ and has various illnesses. For the last 9 months has been going through his 1st claim for DLA. It went to written appeal and they upheld his earlier judgement. However sharing the information, use of a welfare advisor and he went to the Commissioners. Before they heard the case the Appeals panel wrote back saying they were going to set aside the earlier appeal judgement!. Some of the arguements put forward were that they looked at each disability individually and not all disabilities as a whole and the subsequent impact. Secondly was the lack of medical evidence sought by the DWP.

He is awaiting a fresh oral appeal in August.

The key is to keep going no matter who you are facing a battle to get at the end of the day what you are entitled to.

As always the blog on www.hivbenefits.co.uk has current info.

Best as always,

John.