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DLA: Tests for illnesses question 21
- pollenpath
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I'm looking at question 21 on my DLA renewal form and wondered if psychiatric assessment counts as a 'test for illness or disabilities'. I have a report from a psychiatrist I saw 20 months ago which gives details of my diagnosis and wondered if this would be an appropriate section of the form to make reference to that?
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- Gordon
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If you believe it relevant and supportive of your claim, then there is no reason not to include it.Hi all, have consulted FAQ and the guides but couldn't find an answer to my question, so I hope this won't be an inappropriate post.
I'm looking at question 21 on my DLA renewal form and wondered if psychiatric assessment counts as a 'test for illness or disabilities'. I have a report from a psychiatrist I saw 20 months ago which gives details of my diagnosis and wondered if this would be an appropriate section of the form to make reference to that?
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- pollenpath
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- pollenpath
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I've answered Q.24 by stating that I can walk up to 20 metres during the onset of one of my attacks, but that this is reduced to less than 5 metres when an attack is in full swing. Worryingly, I have no real idea how this translates to the speed I can walk, as in 'how many minutes before feeling severe discomfort'. Walking at all is very uncomfortable during the onset of an attack, even though I can cover a short distance if caught short somewhere. But when I'm in severe discomfort I often can't even get to the toilet, so in terms of speed it's like, well, how long is a piece of string?
Anyway, I realise I have to put something in the box at Q.25, but I haven't found anything in the guide or FAQ that really helps me to decide what exactly, in my case. Do any other members have experience of this? I'm going through my renewal form step by step but have got stuck here. Last time I applied I had a support worker to help me, but that was back in the golden days of less than 2 years ago!!
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- Gordon
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I am afraid I don't have a simple answer for you

If you have someone who can measure distances for you, then you can time how long it takes you, most electronic kitchen timers can count upwards as well as down, by just pressing the start button.
If you can, try and do the test outside where you can walk for a longer distance, often people's capability varies with how far they can walk. For example, I can walk relatively quickly for about 10 metres, but I slow down significantly from 10-20m and after 20 I am stumbling along barely able to put one foot in front of the other.
This level of detail can help to better explain the dificulties you have walking.
I hope this helps
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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