PIP Refused

Today I received my PIP decision and was awarded 2 points for my hearing aid. 0 points for mobility, which was the main point of claiming. Part of the decision is as follows: "You said you have difficulty moving around. I decided you can stand and then move more that 200 metres. This is consistent with informal observations at your face to face consultation". etc.

I had declared my health problems, and their effects, on the claim form mentioning Asthma, ME/CFS, hearing difficulties, Osteo Arthritis and balance difficulties. It appears that all the information I submitted with regard to climbing 9 flights of stairs carrying a rollator to my flat, and dangers of unaided walking have been ignored. On a bad day I walk less than 20 metres before stopping, particularly with dual walking sticks. On good days anywhere between 20 to 150 metres before stopping, with a rollator. I don't think I go as far as 200m without stopping. It seems that the whole issue has been reduced to the walking distance with no regard to issues of safety, or need of assistance, My self assessment rates me at 8 to 12 points for mobility depending on health condition at the time.

I have been discouraged for a long time from claiming PIP due to my negative experiences with the DWP which refused ESA and then health related UC. I finally obtained my limited capability for work UC after winning HMCTS appeal.

I am considering a Mandatory Reconsideration but am quite frankly sick of the DWP. Comments on the matter would be appreciated.

Gordon,

Thank you for your reply.

Today I walked to a shop with my rollator and did some metrics. I found that I seem to be eligible for 2) d: 10 points. My average today was approx 18 metres before stopping. Min. 3.3 metres. Max 40 metres . Today was quite a 'good day'. This is at least then a 'majority of the time' metric. If I were using dual walking sticks it might very well be 2) e. 1m-20m. Next time I use them I will check.

My mentioning 150 metres in my original post was a gross over estimate of my capability and should now be considered invalid.

Now that I am much clearer on this issue I hope I will be able to proceed with MR.

Larry

Descriptors info., Ref: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrate...ptors-and-points.pdf

Gordon,

MR sent, MR Notice received. Awarded 0 points for mobility. PIP refused. (As expected).
The decision maker, as usual, appears to make the most our of an, apparently, partly inaccurate face to face assessment report: "You were observed to walk at a slow pace with one stick for about 30 metres, to the assessment room, with ease." How Chaplinesque. I use 2 walking sticks and haven't moved, "with ease" in years. I will have to request the medical report to see whether the above is an accurate quote., as part of an appeal to HMCTS.

"There is no evidence of balance problems" lol - why do I use 2 sticks or a rollator? Anyway enough of this... I will update anon.

Larry

Gordon,

Medical report received today (PIP Consultation report form - PA4). The decision maker's quote is taken from the report, 1 walking stick etc. I used 2 sticks at the assessment, one of which is an ordinary wooden stick and the other an aluminium cane seat. I assume that the latter is recognised as a walking aid? if not it would explain it not being mentioned.

smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009DZP3M8..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The MR notice strongly suggests that the decision was based on the Atos 'snap-shot' assessment.and appears to disregard other evidence. I'm starting on a HMCTS appeal as a consequence.

More in due course.

Larry