Lost DLA tribunal

Hello Everyone,

Last week I had my Dla tribunal after losing high rate of care and mobility on review. I was awarded low care and no mobility. I am quite shocked as I have problems walking and thought that I would get mobility but mIght not get any care. I tried to be honest as there are occasions where I can walk a little (say 2-3 times per month) but for the majority of the time I can not walk or leave the house due to muscle weakness and some kind of periodic paralysis episodes that are still under investigation.

I have to catch taxis to doctor and hospital appointments so I will be using the £20 care award for my mobility needs. I'm not sure if I explained clearly enough. I told them on occasion that I might be able to walk to the corner shop but then my legs would go and I wouldn't be able to walk back home. I would be stuck and have to telephone for help. I used this as an example as it has happened in the past but during the last couple of years I don't go out on my own anymore to avoid situations like these. I also told them that my walking would be classed more as ' sliding' and that it leaves me breathless, exhausted in pain and renders my arms to go weak as well so that I am unable to use them.

I really need help with taxi fares as it is £24 for a round trip to see my gp. When asked if I had a blue badge I answered that with receiving high mobility I could have applied for one or a bus pass but didn't as I can't get out much. I thought that I had written everything out very clearly and had some letters from doctors and results of two muscle tests showing myopathy.

By the way the judge and the doctor were nice. Polite and professional but the disability lady was quite bullying and aggressive. Everything I discussed she seemed to have an answer for.

Is there anything that I can do now as i am going to struggle to get anywhere. It's difficult to rely on my family as they would have to take time off to get me to appointments.

Thankyou
Tezzy

Hi Tezzy,

As it seems that you are new to the forum, you might find this helpful

Welcome to Benefits and Work

I'm sorry that the tribunal did not find in your favour I am afraid that, unless you can find an 'Error in Law' with the tribunal, you are pretty much at the end of the road as far as this claim is concerned. As long as it is less than 1 month since the date of the tribunal decision, you can ask for a Statement of Reasons

Tribunals – Requesting a Statement of Reasons

You should then take expert advice to see if there might have seen an Error in Law. It is getting harder to find such advice due to cuts in funding. If you cannot find anything from this FAQ you could try a web search putting in 'Welfare rights' and the name of your town.

Where to get advice?

What is an Error of Law?

It would be worth making sure that you are claiming everything else that you are entitled to. You could ask CAB for a benefits check.