Hi all.
I was one of the lucky ones(!!!!) and transferred to esa from ib without a medical, using the wonderful guides. I was put in wrag.
To cut a long story short i have fibromyalgia and arthritis and get hrm for dla. Could i suggest that members do as i did. I believed that i should be in support group for mobilising and i saw an occupational therapist to prove i was unable to self propell a wheelchair. She wrote a lovely report detailing all the reasons why not and the effect it would have on me if i did. The downside, it cost£100 but today i had a letter putting me in support group for 2 years so it is worth it. I think if you have valid reasons it may be worth trying this option.
All the best to everyone

SL

Congratulations on being moved to the Support Group, I am sure that other members will be interested in your strategy.

Gordon

Hi sammylou,

Congrats on your success. I too am awaiting transfer and suffer from fibro', m.e. and other conditions. Can I ask you if the occupational therapist you saw was someone you had seen previously, as I thought you could only see one if referred via a hospital consultant. Also did you send any other supporting evidence along with your esa form, that you felt helped your case.

Just to clarify, you say you were originally in the wrag group, but after sending in an O.T. letter, it was changed to the support group. Sorry if Im being a bit ditzy but is that how it happened as Im just a bit confused about the process you went through?

Thanks.

Hi
I didnt send it with the esa50
It didnt occur to me to do it. When i got the call to say i had been put in wrag i said i couldnt walk or use a chair. They said i needed to prove it. Bingo, i did!!
I arranged the appointment on a private basis. I hadnt seen her before but i booked a wheelchair assessment. I used linkedin to find someone local and well qualified.
Ask again if i missed anything

I asked for a reconsideration using the ot letter

Thanks for replying sammylou.

Can I ask if it was just the one appointment you had, and did they need access to your doctor or medical records? You also say it was a wheelchair assessment, what exactly is that and is it only for people who are completely unable to walk. My mobility is very poor and I often need to be supported but at times I can manage a little bit but tend to deteriorate very quickly. Ive never seen a private doctor/therapist so I am unsure of how it works, but it sounds like its a good thing to do. Can I ask if it was easier to go private, rather than go through the hospital or social services.? Also did you discuss the esa descriptors with the therapist in order to get the best supporting letter?.

Sorry for all the questions and I hope I'm not being too inquisitive but any advice you can give would be great, as I'm struggling massively with the stress of it all and the non stop ill health.

Thanks.