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PIP Assessors report inconsistencies,.

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4 years 7 months ago #235239 by gillallan
PIP Assessors report inconsistencies,. was created by gillallan
Attended PIP f2f 2 weeks ago with a paramedic @ Capita in Derby.
I requested the Assessors report after 1 week by telephone from the DWP . Arrived yesterday. I am appalled to see the inaccuracies, misleading statements, complete nonsense written on my history. e.g. states I am employed , I last worked 1998 and had to give up my career on medical advice which is stated next to I am employed.
Worse extracts have been taken from my medical evidence letters twice that have been taken out of context to justify the assessors statements. I am a cancer survivor 35 years out from treatment with a rare progressive neurological condition which impacts my daily life and has done for at least 25 years. I have multiple problems with cognition, poor hearing due to late effects from Radiotherapy , Head drop affecting stamina and constant fatigue. I have extensive muscle loss in my neck and over upper back cervico scapular area, nerve damage to my hands from chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, swallowing problems from Radiotherapy causing periodic asphyxiation with water and taking medication. Dexterity issues etc etc Pain stiffness which affects my walking ability though I can walk and have to move to mitigate my stiffness. I accept I will lose my mobility component of DLA I was awarded in 2005 indefinitely. Most medics have not seen my problem before, I see a specialist 50 miles from my location, there are so few of us with this problem left alive. Apparently I do not have fatigue according to the Assessor, can walk with no problems what so ever and have no problems with dexterity. Because I drive very short distances locally only in an automatic car I am deemed fit and well.
I am waiting for the DWP case managers decision. From the assessors report it looks I will score 2 points for wearing hearing aids. I struggled to hear the Assessor as windows were open with background traffic noise... I pointed this out politely. Most of what was discussed is not recorded on the assessment. I used Your guides again thank you to fill in my forms, very carefully and sent accompanying detailed medical evidence as back up bearing in mind my condition is not well known even by the medical establishment in the UK. Most physiotherapists are not familiar with this condition or have even seen it before.
I plan to go for MR and then appeal but do not hold out too much hope for success. I now feel whatever I write will not be believed nor fairly judged.
In contrast my IB to ESA assessment in 2013 I was acknowledged by a Disability Assessor ( Doctor) immediately I had a lifelong progressive neurological condition even before my final diagnosis was confirmed in 2014. PIP I regret to say is seriously flawed.

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4 years 7 months ago - 4 years 7 months ago #235240 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP Assessors report inconsistencies,.
Gillybean

There is a window for you to write to the Decision Maker but you will need to be quick.

I would certainly raise the issue of whether a paramedic is qualified to assess a complicated neurological condition when it required a doctor to assess you for ESA.

I would also make a formal complaint to Capita about the quality of the report and the knowledge of the assessor.

Complaining to the PIP Assessment Providers

As to the report, understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say that you can do the PIP activities, tackling these head-on is unlikely to be successful, you need to show that the basis of that opinion is founded on incorrect information, so try and refer to your evidence to undermine what they have said.

Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your scoring points, I often hear members referring to the assessors spelling, as an example, whilst it may show a lack of professionalism, raising it as an issue isn't going to help you get an award.

Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that you are being assessed against you can put the best case forward that is possible but you won't score points if you do not meet the PIP Descriptors.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 4 years 7 months ago by Gordon.
The following user(s) said Thank You: gillallan, alisp

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4 years 6 months ago #237514 by gillallan
Replied by gillallan on topic PIP Assessors report inconsistencies,.
PIP decision letter arrived with anticipated result 2 points for wearing hearing aids only. 0 points for following a complex route which honestly I cannot do I am informed on informal observation I have no fatigue. Fatigue, pain and stiffness are constant but apparently I am faking this despite having fatigue from cancer, treatment, and consequences of cancer treatment for 35 years! I have medical evidence confirming this.
I wrote to the decision maker ( case manager) as suggested by Gordon but sadly to no avail.
I am now preparing for MR, the errors and outright contradictions in the Assessors report are so numerous. It is a daunting task and using precious energy I do not have.
PIP is not fit for purpose the Assessor I was allocated, incompetent and blatantly mendacious. What a mess and a sad reflection of lack of integrity in some so called Health Professionals.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Gordon

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4 years 6 months ago #237540 by mia
Replied by mia on topic PIP Assessors report inconsistencies,.
Gillybean, I am so sorry you are having to go through the MR process and agree it is lengthy and exhausting. As a person used to forms and agencies I expected my interactions with DWP on my husband’s behalf to be easily undertaken but had not expected to find medical assessor’s reports would be so different from the actual truth. The only possibly helpful thing I can say apart from do try to continue your appeal, is that that you may find cancer survivors in your area have a specialist hospital connection for assisting with benefits - I know Surry does as my friend was helped by them with every form. Other than that, I try to explain to my husband the entire DWP process is not personal but is geared towards reducing benefit monies paid out rather than supporting those needing help. Not much comfort I know, and I hope you find someone to give you help and support.
The following user(s) said Thank You: gillallan

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4 years 6 months ago #237560 by gillallan
Replied by gillallan on topic PIP Assessors report inconsistencies,.
Thanks for the advice. I do have an appointment with a Hospital based Cancer Support Benefits advisor to advise and assist me with the MR.
I know this is happening to many not just me. It is the first time I have had an application for help turned down in 20 years. I have done all of my applications myself for IB, IB to ESA and DLA with no problems. I appreciate PIP has different criteria to DLA but having a progressive neurological problem as a consequence of cancer treatment 35 years ago which essentially causes functional upper body limitations affecting gait and mobility and much more. . My problem is the Syndrome is rare, so Information is not easily available. I am not taking it personally, it is the system which is perverse.

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