× Members

PIP renewal

More
5 years 5 months ago #219726 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP renewal
AC

A lot of members seem to think that the award length is based on the likelihood of an improvement, this is not the case, it's the likelihood of a change; better or worse.

New evidence is better than old as a general rule but most claimants struggle to provide current information if you can then it's worth doing but make sure you understand what it is saying before you include it with the form.

A longer award with ME is always going to be difficult, rather than looking evidence you might be better off emphasising your history with the illness, whilst recoveries do happen later, if you have had the condition for more than three years with no improvement then the chances of a recovery are a lot less than if you are still in the first three years.

I'm afraid, if you are receiving treatment then there may well be an expectation of a recovery and this may well mean a short award again. The DWP are ever optimistic of the NHS's ability to cure all ills.

Gordon

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 5 months ago #220063 by angelcake
Replied by angelcake on topic PIP renewal
Hi Gordon,

I'm going to be asking the DWP for an extension for my PIP review, as even though it's the new AR1 form and my condition is the same, I'm doing as the guide suggested and still writing a detailed account. So I can only do a bit at a time because of my condition and I need more time, I also have a CAB appointment too in case I need help which is after my deadline day. My medical evidence won't be ready either.

When is it best to call for the extension prior to the deadline and I'm not sure if my reasons are valid as my condition is the same and concerned they may say just send the form in and send things later but I want an extension and to send things together this time.

thanks

Angelcake

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 5 months ago #220069 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP renewal
AC

I would call immediately.

Gordon

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 4 months ago #220234 by angelcake
Replied by angelcake on topic PIP renewal
Hi Gordon,

Can I go back to your post before the last re: Award length

My situation with treatment with CFS is I am under a team. I have seen the CFS nurse for sessions on energy management of the condition which have now finished. However, he is seeing me for an appointment this week to write me a letter. I do not feel that my condition has improved from this treatment.

I have now been referred for CBT within the CFS team which will look at CFS and the mental health side of things, she is also doing a letter for me. I am only 5 sessions in of 20 but in my history of treatment, I have had CBT before in 2010 for 20 sessions (and many other counselling and psychotherapy sessions over the years) and it did not improve things to the point that my GP did not want to re-refer me as it had not worked. So I am not confident it will make a significant improvement this time.

The CFS team have said that there is no cure for CFS and no magic pill and that it is possible that there will be no improvement with the energy management and CBT sessions.

I'm just wondering how best to tackle this issue myself, or whether it needs commented on by one of the health professionals to carry any weight?

Also the issue of how long I've had my conditions- the anxiety and depression is well over 3 yrs, I think since school although not diagnosed then, does that count if it is not actually diagnosed experienced early on, although my first lot of antidpressants started when I was 17 and having various antidressants up to the age of about 30yrs.

Also the CFS I was only diagnosed in 2017 although I'd been suffering from extreme fatigue for many years and the consultant at diagnosis thought I'd had it for many years previous.

So I'm not sure how best to highlight my history as long term because of these issues?

Also, on the form it asks for your main health care professional and I'm not sure who to write as I'm under the CFS team but finished treatment with the nurse, although he is writing me a letter or the CFS/CBT therapist who is also writing a letter?

Thanks
Angelcake

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 4 months ago #220259 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP renewal
AC

I think you will struggle to show that a longer award is justified, there are two reasons for this. ME/CFS is considered to be a fluctuating condition so there are always going to be questions about how you are actually affected and secondly, you are receiving treatment (CBT) for your problems and the DWP always assume that this will be successful.

To have any chance of extending the award you are going to have to provide general medical evidence for both ME/CFS and how it impacts you personally, in both cases you will need there to be a prognosis that you can refer to.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 4 months ago #220264 by angelcake
Replied by angelcake on topic PIP renewal
Hi Gordon,

Sorry Gordon can you explain exactly what you mean exactly?

'To have any chance of extending the award you are going to have to provide general medical evidence for both ME/CFS and how it impacts you personally, in both cases you will need there to be a prognosis that you can refer to.'

Also I have just spoken to my therapist and she suggested that I write on the form that I am under the specialist team for CFS treatment and not mention the CBT. Do you think this would be okay?

Thanks
Angelcake

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: GordonGaryBISCatherineWendyKellygreekqueenpeterKatherineSuper UserjimmckChris
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.