PIP INFO.

Hi

I have a couple of questions that I hope you could advise on:

1) I have paid on a few occasions to have copies of medical letters that consultants from my local hospital sent to other consultants and my GP. I also have copies of letters from various hospitals over the years both NHS and private hospitals (sent when applying for ESA (am in support group). Most letters now are from one consultant who gives some periodic steroid /local anaesthetic injections around the base of my spine to try to help temporarily (I have widespread chronic pain and fibromyalgia over 29year period and have exhausted any possibility of help including private and holistic treatments and 3 residential Pain Clinics over the years. It has been clearly stated that there are no options open to me re: still increasing pain).

Is it sensible to include as much of this information as possible with a PIP application or will too much info.cause them to not bother reading any?

2) In the section concerning walking ability it also includes "it varies". Should you tick this along with another box indicating distance?

3)Although I can at certain times move certain distances I cannot walk any distance at all without severe pain and discomfort and an increase when I stop. Does this mean the 20 metre limit is applicable?

I would appreciate your considered response. Thanks - Lawson

Hi Lawson and welcome to the forum. I am unsure whether you are new or if you have not posted since the change of software - so I will post this link to help you find your way around.

Welcome to Benefits and Work

1) It is impossible to say how much evidence you should submit. It needs to be enough to back up your application but there is little point submitting lots of letters saying 'I saw Mr Lawson and nothing has changed' (for example). I tend to advise one letter confirming diagnosis, one explaining your current limitations and, if the diagnosis was made years ago, one saying that the problem persists for each condition. Obviously, this is entirely up to you and you should include anything you think will be helpful.

2) If you walking ability varies widely from one day to another, then tick the 'it varies' box. Make sure you explain in detail.

3) Any distance walked once pain has set in should be disregarded.

This is all explained in our PIP guides.

PIP help for claimants

If you have further questions, please reply to this message and we will do our best to help

Thanks Mrs.Hurtyback
I was just wondering if the many letters I have from various Hospitals both private and NHS would evidence both the longevity of my condition and the many steps I've taken to try to find solutions.
I now have recently only the periodic letters sent to my G.P. from the Consultant who administers the injections as there is nowhere for me to go to get any help with my condition (I have a letter from a few years ago from a leading Pain Consultant saying that he can offer me nothing. more). Sorry to bother you but I, like many, don't know what to do for the best. Thank you for your help. Lawson

If you can tie the letters to specific points tou are making on the form then perhaps it would be best to include them. For example you could say the first time I had such and such, backed up by letter A, follow up treatments, letters B-Z.
I think it is always best to give them more than what they are looking for.
Your post suggests you have a reason for including each letter as proof of the long term nature of your condition and the many steps you have taken.

Thank you foss27 - this appears the best plan for me where most investigative medical tests, diagnosis and prognosis is from some time ago as the answer is "There is nothing we can do for him". However I shall include as much more recent letters i.e. family, colleagues etc. I think I shall just use the "scattergun" approach and hope some of it sticks.

Sorry but I have one more question I would appreciate help with:
When attaching EXTRA pages with the form describing the effects a condition has on your ability to carry out certain tasks either as well as OR instead of filling it in on the form and putting "see attached details etc." is it possible to then include this information sheet typewritten or must it still be handwritten? Thank you so much for your consideration - I shall try not to trouble you again so soon. With much appreciation Lawson

lawson wrote: Thank you foss27 - this appears the best plan for me where most investigative medical tests, diagnosis and prognosis is from some time ago as the answer is "There is nothing we can do for him". However I shall include as much more recent letters i.e. family, colleagues etc. I think I shall just use the "scattergun" approach and hope some of it sticks.

Sorry but I have one more question I would appreciate help with:
When attaching EXTRA pages with the form describing the effects a condition has on your ability to carry out certain tasks either as well as OR instead of filling it in on the form and putting "see attached details etc." is it possible to then include this information sheet typewritten or must it still be handwritten? Thank you so much for your consideration - I shall try not to trouble you again so soon. With much appreciation Lawson

Hi l,

There is nothing to stop you writing in each Text Box on the PIP 2 : "Please see my response on added A4 Page xx of xx", then typing your responses on the A4 pages.

You should head each separate A4 page with your Name, DOB, Date and NI Number and number each separate A4 1 of x, 2 of x, 3 of x, 4 of x, etc, etc, etc.

You can then attach the added A4 pages to the PIP 2 Form, by stapling them or using Treasury Tags, etc.

You could also provide an Index to the A4 pages to accompany your PIP 2.

bro58