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PIP assessment report received.
- CJW04
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4 days 6 hours ago #308731 by CJW04
PIP assessment report received. was created by CJW04
Hello,
I’ve just received my Light Touch Review assessment report. And it’s not okay.
They’ve basically scored me down because I can drive - even though I said I only drive when absolutely a must. Because it isnt always safe that I do, because my hip instability, constant numb leg and my shoulders. I stated I need an automatic car but cost wise it isn't possible. But because I can drive and hold a steering wheel when I do, that also means I should be able to hold a knife?
I work - because I need to pay bills. I said to them the hours I work, I spend mostly sat down. But because I interact with students I’m okay. That I don’t need help with nutrition, when I’m not the one who cooks my meals. My dad does for the week and delivers them to me.
I told them I cannot manage my finances due to adhd and impulsive spending, I can’t remember when things are due and need to be paid. So my aunt does this for me. And they said I can manage them just fine? They decided that I don’t need the help. But it states I have no evidence of cognitive impairment when the words “I have combined ADHD, I really struggle with things like this because ….” So why wasn’t that written in the report.
I also forget to take medications so much so, I need to start my dose again. Because it’s been so long. But I forget to call the drs to arrange this.
I was let go from the pain management clinic, when infact I clearly stated “they keep saying that they cannot help me, I’ve been discharged from every clinic and NHS physiotherapist because they cannot help my EDS”.
Because I was so anxious on the phone I was able to talk. But listening to my recording, I pause a lot. And it’s not as clear and cohesive as the report says.
And because I parent on my own, I’m motivated? So I only get 8 points for daily living. When I had 12.
I had my assessment recorded. And it’s been listened to by someone who deals with claims for neurodivergent people and other SEN needs. And she also disagrees with the report.
My pain reliefs aren’t high enough apparently for me to be in pain. But I should be able to dress, cook, clean, bathe etc because I can hold a steering wheel….
And because I’m a single parent and I care for my 14 year old son, it shows I’m motivated and therefore I’m okay.
It says I go out on the majority of days… to work? Which is a 5 minute drive?! If I didn’t go to work, my mental health would deteriorate. But because I use my CBT methods I’m fine.
I had to stop using crutches because they were causing my shoulders and elbows to subluxation often. Causing more harm than good?
I need advice on what to do. Getting more evidence is hard because I keep getting discharged so I just give up with going. Which was the case 10 years ago in a tribunal. I’ve asked for a letter from my GP. I need to add in my ADHD diagnosis. Because it wasn’t added in my light touch form last year. Because I only got my diagnosis a month ago. They told me not to send anything off. As I can just explain it on the phone.
I can’t follow a satnav due to adhd, I get lost and confused and end up going round a roundabout 4-5 times before I can correct myself. Which I told them.
Sorry this is so long. This makes me so anxious and I need help….
I’ve just received my Light Touch Review assessment report. And it’s not okay.
They’ve basically scored me down because I can drive - even though I said I only drive when absolutely a must. Because it isnt always safe that I do, because my hip instability, constant numb leg and my shoulders. I stated I need an automatic car but cost wise it isn't possible. But because I can drive and hold a steering wheel when I do, that also means I should be able to hold a knife?
I work - because I need to pay bills. I said to them the hours I work, I spend mostly sat down. But because I interact with students I’m okay. That I don’t need help with nutrition, when I’m not the one who cooks my meals. My dad does for the week and delivers them to me.
I told them I cannot manage my finances due to adhd and impulsive spending, I can’t remember when things are due and need to be paid. So my aunt does this for me. And they said I can manage them just fine? They decided that I don’t need the help. But it states I have no evidence of cognitive impairment when the words “I have combined ADHD, I really struggle with things like this because ….” So why wasn’t that written in the report.
I also forget to take medications so much so, I need to start my dose again. Because it’s been so long. But I forget to call the drs to arrange this.
I was let go from the pain management clinic, when infact I clearly stated “they keep saying that they cannot help me, I’ve been discharged from every clinic and NHS physiotherapist because they cannot help my EDS”.
Because I was so anxious on the phone I was able to talk. But listening to my recording, I pause a lot. And it’s not as clear and cohesive as the report says.
And because I parent on my own, I’m motivated? So I only get 8 points for daily living. When I had 12.
I had my assessment recorded. And it’s been listened to by someone who deals with claims for neurodivergent people and other SEN needs. And she also disagrees with the report.
My pain reliefs aren’t high enough apparently for me to be in pain. But I should be able to dress, cook, clean, bathe etc because I can hold a steering wheel….
And because I’m a single parent and I care for my 14 year old son, it shows I’m motivated and therefore I’m okay.
It says I go out on the majority of days… to work? Which is a 5 minute drive?! If I didn’t go to work, my mental health would deteriorate. But because I use my CBT methods I’m fine.
I had to stop using crutches because they were causing my shoulders and elbows to subluxation often. Causing more harm than good?
I need advice on what to do. Getting more evidence is hard because I keep getting discharged so I just give up with going. Which was the case 10 years ago in a tribunal. I’ve asked for a letter from my GP. I need to add in my ADHD diagnosis. Because it wasn’t added in my light touch form last year. Because I only got my diagnosis a month ago. They told me not to send anything off. As I can just explain it on the phone.
I can’t follow a satnav due to adhd, I get lost and confused and end up going round a roundabout 4-5 times before I can correct myself. Which I told them.
Sorry this is so long. This makes me so anxious and I need help….
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- BIS
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4 hours 19 minutes ago #308837 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic PIP assessment report received.
Hi CJWO4
I'm sorry that your light touch review has had such a disappointing outcome.
There are multiple areas that you are going to have to fight, and as you know, it won't be easy.
Driving
Have a look at this post on driving for PIP - it might have some helpful information. benefitsandwork.co.uk/kunena/10-dla-esa-...8543-pip-and-driving. The bottom line is that you are allowed to drive and claim PIP. However, be aware that if you keep emphasising the instability of your hip, constant numb leg and numbness in your shoulder, and the severity of your pain, there is a risk that the DWP will report you to DVLA and say that you are not fit to drive a car. The same applies to saying that you are unable to use a satnav and get lost and confused. The government website makes it clear that if your adhd affects your ability to drive at all then you should report it to the DVLA. (You may have done this, or you may think it is unnecessary.) I am not passing judgment because I don't know you, but you want to minimise extensive discussions around driving with DWP assessors who don't know you. Please don't think I am being critical of you driving; I am simply saying what could happen.
In your position, I would say that you have a need to drive as you can't manage other modes of transport. (bus, taxi, walking) And I wouldn't try to defend it further in terms of you using the car.
Driving vs other activities
It is common practice for the DWP and assessors to believe that if someone can drive a car they can undertake other activities. I have already flagged up the article about driving and how that varies from other activities - and I think you could use the relevant parts of that. I suspect issues such as cooking a meal - they are saying that you could do it, but you are choosing not to.
With regard to the cooking, you need to repeat that you don't cook meals (and give the reasons why, including pain, poor manual dexterity, exhaustion, and cognitive difficulties.
Cognitive Impairment
You say that the assessor was mistaken in their belief that you have no cognitive impairment, and that is well known that people with ADHD do. You can give your own examples. Forgetfulness is common. They will undoubtedly say that you work - so do you have any difficulties in the workplace. You need to highlight the issues you have.
Being a parent
There are plenty of people who are parents and claim PIP. Say that you should not be penalised for trying to give your son the best life you can. Give them a couple of relevant examples of how that must be challenging especially when you have memory problems.
Pain relief
NiCE has been advising doctors to cut down on pain killers and say many of them don't work. The dosage is not necessarily an indication of the level of pain individuals experience. I would argue that the assessor cannot judge how much pain you are in.
CBT methods
You may use CBT methods and you should be applauded for that, but you shouldn't be penalised for using them and it doesn't mean you don't require additional help.
Communication with students
I've already mentioned any difficulties you have at work. How easy do you find it to communicate? Are you slower than other people doing your job? Do they always understand you? Do you always understand them or do you get very tired because of the pain etc?
The assessment report
Go through the report and see what you disagree with and see where you are going to try to earn extra points. The driving in itself does not earn you points - so don't put too much focus. Explain again why you need support from your father and your aunt. Can they write letters about what they do and why - making it relevant to the specific PIP critera. If they can - I would do so. A letter with a couple of paragraphs from each will be plenty.
Summary
It's hard to tell you exactly what to do. I would argue that you have lost points when your condition has not improved, indeed you have an additional diagnosis. Do not be tempted to phone in your MR - the person on the phone might not take down what you say correctly. Send in what you want to say and point out information you have already included.
BIS
I'm sorry that your light touch review has had such a disappointing outcome.
There are multiple areas that you are going to have to fight, and as you know, it won't be easy.
Driving
Have a look at this post on driving for PIP - it might have some helpful information. benefitsandwork.co.uk/kunena/10-dla-esa-...8543-pip-and-driving. The bottom line is that you are allowed to drive and claim PIP. However, be aware that if you keep emphasising the instability of your hip, constant numb leg and numbness in your shoulder, and the severity of your pain, there is a risk that the DWP will report you to DVLA and say that you are not fit to drive a car. The same applies to saying that you are unable to use a satnav and get lost and confused. The government website makes it clear that if your adhd affects your ability to drive at all then you should report it to the DVLA. (You may have done this, or you may think it is unnecessary.) I am not passing judgment because I don't know you, but you want to minimise extensive discussions around driving with DWP assessors who don't know you. Please don't think I am being critical of you driving; I am simply saying what could happen.
In your position, I would say that you have a need to drive as you can't manage other modes of transport. (bus, taxi, walking) And I wouldn't try to defend it further in terms of you using the car.
Driving vs other activities
It is common practice for the DWP and assessors to believe that if someone can drive a car they can undertake other activities. I have already flagged up the article about driving and how that varies from other activities - and I think you could use the relevant parts of that. I suspect issues such as cooking a meal - they are saying that you could do it, but you are choosing not to.
With regard to the cooking, you need to repeat that you don't cook meals (and give the reasons why, including pain, poor manual dexterity, exhaustion, and cognitive difficulties.
Cognitive Impairment
You say that the assessor was mistaken in their belief that you have no cognitive impairment, and that is well known that people with ADHD do. You can give your own examples. Forgetfulness is common. They will undoubtedly say that you work - so do you have any difficulties in the workplace. You need to highlight the issues you have.
Being a parent
There are plenty of people who are parents and claim PIP. Say that you should not be penalised for trying to give your son the best life you can. Give them a couple of relevant examples of how that must be challenging especially when you have memory problems.
Pain relief
NiCE has been advising doctors to cut down on pain killers and say many of them don't work. The dosage is not necessarily an indication of the level of pain individuals experience. I would argue that the assessor cannot judge how much pain you are in.
CBT methods
You may use CBT methods and you should be applauded for that, but you shouldn't be penalised for using them and it doesn't mean you don't require additional help.
Communication with students
I've already mentioned any difficulties you have at work. How easy do you find it to communicate? Are you slower than other people doing your job? Do they always understand you? Do you always understand them or do you get very tired because of the pain etc?
The assessment report
Go through the report and see what you disagree with and see where you are going to try to earn extra points. The driving in itself does not earn you points - so don't put too much focus. Explain again why you need support from your father and your aunt. Can they write letters about what they do and why - making it relevant to the specific PIP critera. If they can - I would do so. A letter with a couple of paragraphs from each will be plenty.
Summary
It's hard to tell you exactly what to do. I would argue that you have lost points when your condition has not improved, indeed you have an additional diagnosis. Do not be tempted to phone in your MR - the person on the phone might not take down what you say correctly. Send in what you want to say and point out information you have already included.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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