Work Capability Assessment date - finally!

Hi Gordon

There's a couple of bits of information on new conditions which, by themselves, I doubt would give me any points or even necessarily be considered relevant but do make day to day life overall more difficult when combined with my neuro illness. The rest of the information is how things have deteriorated since the Change of Circumstances notification last year so I guess it's worth sending it in.

I've also been through my papers and have decided to take along medical letters or reports from the last 6 months or so, along with copies of the Change of Circumstances letters (and proofs of postage!) I sent to Maximus and the DWP last August as well as the ones I'll be sending today. The letters I'll be sending today are identical apart from where they refer to DWP or Maximus and I have changed it as appropriate.

I know my 'trying too hard' comment might seem a bit odd. I guess I'm now much more wary of dealing with officialdom and being accused of being a waster or whatever even though I know how poorly I feel most of the time.

Thanks for putting my mind at rest.

I think this is my final question about this - honest!

I was reading something yesterday about the WCA and it's set me wondering. My main condition is a progressively degenerative neurological one, so should it be a doctor who carries out my assessment as opposed to (for example) a physiotherapist?

I wouldn't expect to get someone with specialist knowledge of my condition, but I gather for some neuro conditions it should be a doctor. I can't easily find anything definitive online but wondered if you had any idea? Can I ask if the person doing my assessment is a doctor when I get there and what happens if they are not?

I'm not someone who makes a fuss, but can I 'insist' on seeing a doctor? I can just imagine if I do being noted as a troublemaker or no-show for the appointment and going back into the system for another 2 years. Having waited this long for my assessment, I just want to get it over and done with.

Sorry for yet another question and thanks again.

Well, I had my assessment today and really don't know what to make of it. I'd be interested in people's thoughts.

The person doing the assessment met me at reception (presumably to see how well/far I could walk?). The appointment itself took around 40-45 minutes, the assessor checked what my conditions were and read the extra paperwork I'd taken along. She also seems to know a bit about my 'main' condition, which I wasn't really expecting.

She zoomed in on one aspect and we spent about 30 minutes dealing with that. At the end she explained that she had enough to go on and that she (they??) didn't usually ask questions about other conditions/effects in that case. She asked if I had any further questions or comments and I gave her a little further information. She explained the process of her report going to a DM at the DWP and that I should hear in anything from 2-6 weeks. She then explained she needed to telephone her supervisor/manager, take photocopies and asked me to wait in reception. She came back about 10 mins later and said I could go.

I can't make up my mind if it went well or not, but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting taking into account some of the horror stories I've read. Guess I'll just have to wait and see!

I'll let you know how I get on, but in the meantime just wanted to say a huge huge thank you to all at B&W and for the guidance and support you give. The pointers you've given (such as change of circumstance which I would never have known) have been unbelievably helpful and I believe I have a better chance that I would have had without you.

Thank you.