ESA50: "it varies" or "can't do it"?

Hi everyone. I have had CFS for a decade. Previously I won a tribunal to be put in the support group and now I have to fill in another ESA50. I'm not sure what to write in the form regarding activities where it gives me the options Yes, No and It Varies. For instance, I can only walk about 20-40 meters on a good day. Even then I would have to stop walking, rest and recuperate before I could attempt it again. I might be able to manage it once or twice but not repeatedly. On a bad day I might not even be able to walk to the bathroom

Should I put "It varies" for that or should I say No because I can't do it repeatedly? Same question goes for steps. I could manage a few on a good day but not repeatedly. But if I put No and then I'm observed walking 20 meters in, and then 20 meters out again, or I'm observed walking up a few steps at the medical it looks like I've blatantly lied. I want to be truthful but I don't want to mess it up. Any advice on what I should do here?

Hi TiredMK and Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

We always advise members that you should not be constrained by the tickboxes. If you think none of them reflect your situation you should leave them blank and explain fully in the text box ( or on an added sheet).

Certainly, if you tick the 'yes' box you are saying that you never have a problem with the activity.

If you have a variable condition you need to explain how you are on your worst day, your best day and your usual day (if you have any) and how often these would happen.

This is explained in more detail in the PIP guide

PIP help for claimants

You might wish to bookmark/favourite this on your web browser now so that you can find it easily in future. That will allow you to return with further questions/comments without having to start a new copy each time. It helps us enormously when everything relating to the same claim is kept in one place - and I hope you will find it useful too

Thanks for your answer. Should I mention I have previously won a tribunal in the "Other information" section? I could send a copy of the relevant documents if it would help.