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PIP Application - M.E./CFS Diagnosis Issue

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6 years 3 months ago #203073 by Kevin L
Hi all – I just recently got put into the support group for ESA, which was a huge relief. A big thanks to Gordon and Mrs Hurtyback who gave me some great advice – I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of your help :)

I am now going to apply for PIP (out of the frying pan into the fire!). I have one issue tho that I’m not sure how to best handle.

As well as having numerous physical issues (including diabtes type 1) and some mental health issues my endocrinologist suspects I may also have M.E./CFS. As a result, my endo referred me to the diabetic liaison psychiatry service who in turn referred me to “medically unexplained symptoms” at the Maudsley Hospital. They specialise in diagnosing and treating conditions like M.E./CFS.

The problem is that the referral was rejected on the grounds that I live outside the area where they accept patients from. She now wants to send me to a rheumatologist to “rule out other possibilities”.

So to cut a long, and rather boring, story short, I do not have a clear diagnosis for symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, poor sleep, flu-like issues etc (all classic M.E./CFS symptoms). These symptoms would definitely be forming a strong part of my case for PIP.

I have an appointment with the rheumatologist in mid-January but to be honest I don’t expect to make much headway that day. I’m sure they will want to run lots of tests, which could take months.

Will not having a clear diagnosis affect my chances?

Should I clarify what the status is with my referrals etc in my application?

Will a letter from the diabetic liaison psych service outlining my symptoms suffice in place of a clear diagnosis?

Many thanks

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6 years 3 months ago #203077 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP Application - M.E./CFS Diagnosis Issue
Kev

A specific diagnosis would definitely be better, what effect not having one will have is difficult to say, ME is poorly understood and often dismissed, my best advice is to provide detailed and consistent testimony about the limitations that prevent you from completing the PIP activities and pay particular attention to the reliability criteria and being able to do an activity on the majority of days.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Kevin L

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