Suggestions for ATOS assessment of sensitive case?

Interestingly, she had already asked directly in an earlier bit of the interview if I use online banking. I don't, I use telephone banking. Maybe I just look like a gamer

Hi,

I'm basically wondering if anyone has any tips for me discussing my migration to ESA with my consultant tomorrow? Still no decision about it! I did write to the sensitive case team last week to complain about a couple of things, but mainly why it's so far been 8 months so far. The stress has been quite bad for me. I got phone call from the team leader today. They are hoping to get it to a decision maker next week and I got some explanation of the delays. We did talk about things as I am seeing my consultant tomorrow. While she is not a decision maker, she says she expects me to get WRAG at best and basically told me what is wrong with my GPs letter.

I really should be in the support group and I know my consultant thinks this. She is giving me the chance to get a letter in from him. She will phone again on Friday to find out what's happening with that. In that respect they are being quite fair. I'll take the B&W pack with the bit about the requirements for getting into SG with me for the consultant to see. Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions other than that? I know he has got most of his patients that have been through this into SG, so it sounds like he knows what needs to be said anyway.

Thanks,

cannyman

PS: GP said I have a variable condition which means they can ignore the fact that I can be housebound and training and interviews only 'likely' to make me more ill, so can also be ignored!

Hi cm,

I do agree with your GP regarding your last sentance. In order to claim under the exceptional circumstances rule, the claimant must show that there would be a substantial risk. While there is no formal definition of substantial, it is certainly more than 'likely'.

Hi Mrs Hurtyback,

It was the GP that said 'likely' in his letter. I'll speak to the consultant about substantial risk and see if he feels able to say that.

It's maybe just me, it seems like getting the right wording is so important!

Thanks very much.

cannyman

Thanks Gordon. That's really helpful. I think this is probably going to be the only way to get SG. The other descriptor that I could qualify with is mobility, and it was fairly clear today that DWP will dispute that one! The joy of 'variable'.

Thanks again,

cannyman