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Re MRs and second PIP assessments

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5 years 1 week ago #227954 by Ellieg
Re MRs and second PIP assessments was created by Ellieg
Hi I was wondering if this is normal procedure. After my first assmt for PIP I was awarded the high rate of mobility and zero pts for daily living (I have 2 types of uncontrolled epilepsy) so I requested an MR and a copy of the Assessors rept and a copy of my file. The assessors rept was appalling and even mentioned a couple of things which didn’t happen during the home assmt. As an example I live alone and my brother who was with me explained in detail how he has to organise my meds safely and in such a way that I can tell if I have taken them or not as I have no memory after seizures and frequently drop my meds, and to prevent me from maybe taking them twice or not at all. The assessor wrote and I quote “does not need help with medication”. This was her entire comment. The rest of her report was no better and I still wonder if she mixed up my rept with someone else’s. This assessor by the way was a qualified nurse with a child who has epilepsy.
I then received a letter to go for another assmt at their office and assumed this was for my MR. On arrival I was told this was a completely new assmt which threw me a bit and the assessor very bluntly and rudely refused to explain why I had been called for a new assmt and why I had not received an MR. (Apologies for being longwinded but I feel its important that everyone be prepared for a second assmt). This assmt was really intense with the assessor firing questions at me like a machine gun, it truly felt like an interrogation. It lasted so long that unfortunately I couldn’t cope with the strain anymore and when she began firing questions at me about my mental health issues I just couldn’t answer. I just couldn’t discuss such personal issues with a complete stranger and especially someone with her attitude. I find it difficult even to speak to my GP whom I’ve known for years. Anyway this morning I received a letter informing me that my request for an MR had been completed and once again the decision was the same as before. It didn’t really surprise me as the first assmt rept was so inept it would have been impossible to come to any other conclusion. Once again, this letter referred to the first assessors report and I have been informed that I will receive the second assmt decision by the 28th March. So although I don’t agree that people should be put thru a second assmt., in my case it was absolutely necessary. I can’t even find the words to explain how bad my first assmt rept was and I believe it was impossible to carry out an MR based on that report which would explain why I had to attend a second assmt. So if anyone is called for a second assmt it may not be a bad thing just be as prepared as you can.
There is one other thing that concerns me. I have no information or evidence about my condition. My neurologist does not send me copies of repts or letters and neither does my GP. I assumed that when I gave my consent to contact them on my questionnaire that was sufficient and I have never been asked for further evidence. Am I under an obligation to provide evidence myself? Once again apologies for the long windedness and thank you for all the guides and advice I’ve received. I would have been lost without it.

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5 years 1 week ago #227961 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re MRs and second PIP assessments
Ellie

Wow, they have mucked this up big time.

It sounds as if the first report was considered to be substandard in some way, this would be the only reason for a second assessment to be done, this being the case you have to wonder why a Decision was made using that report

The new assessor will have started from scratch, you should be able to request a copy of this report by contacting the DWP office dealing with your claim.

If you have received a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice then you can now request an appeal, I would still do so even though you are still waiting on the result from the second report, you can always withdraw the appeal if you receive an award you can be happy about.

The PIP Appeal guide has links to the SSCS1 form that you will need to complete and the Submissions guide has a complete example that you can use to help you fill it in, you do not need to provide detailed reasons at this stage for your request.

Once your appeal is accepted the DWP will prepare their submission to the hearing and send you a copy, whilst you should wait until you receive this to finish and submit your own, you should start to prepare your own case, an increased award will only be made by your showing that you score the extra points for one, so I would start by going back through your PIP2, the assessment report and the PIP Claim guide to see how you might show this is the case.

Gordon

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

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5 years 1 week ago #227962 by Ellieg
Replied by Ellieg on topic Re MRs and second PIP assessments
Many thanks Gordon, I think you summed it up perfectly. I’ll make a start on the appeal and keep you up to date.
Reds
Ellie

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