DLA question

As you know I am trying to fill in the DLA reassessment form. It asks about any apointments or tests you have had for your illnesses. How far back should I go (if I can remember!)? My mental health problems go back 25 years for example.

mumsgirl wrote: As you know I am trying to fill in the DLA reassessment form. It asks about any apointments or tests you have had for your illnesses. How far back should I go (if I can remember!)? My mental health problems go back 25 years for example.

Hi mg,

It may well be worth while going back to the time of the start of this current DLA award. (if you can remember )

You could then add a comment such as, previous to these appointments, I have also attended : 6 monthly/annually/at regular intervals, over the past 25 years. (whatever is pertinent to you )

bro58

Thanks bro. My current (and first award) only began in Sept 2011. This was due to a mental health support worker advising me to claim for it and she filled in the form for me. Over the past 25 years I previously (twice) tried to claim it all on my own but was unsuccessful both times! At the beginning of my problems (25 years ago) I saw various pyschiatrists, pyschologists, CBTs, counsellors, support group in many different hospitals for around 5 years but no one could cure me!!! Then after that I have intermittently (maybe once every 2 years) saw pyschiatrists just to 'prove' to the benefits system etc that I am still ill. It's a chronic non curable, non treatable life enduring illness.

mumsgirl wrote: Thanks bro. My current (and first award) only began in Sept 2011. This was due to a mental health support worker advising me to claim for it and she filled in the form for me. Over the past 25 years I previously (twice) tried to claim it all on my own but was unsuccessful both times! At the beginning of my problems (25 years ago) I saw various pyschiatrists, pyschologists, CBTs, counsellors, support group in many different hospitals for around 5 years but no one could cure me!!! Then after that I have intermittently (maybe once every 2 years) saw pyschiatrists just to 'prove' to the benefits system etc that I am still ill. It's a chronic non curable, non treatable life enduring illness.

Hi mg,

" It's a chronic non curable, non treatable life enduring illness."

You could state the above, and add that you have attended various consultation and clinics pertaining to you mental health conditions over the past 25 years.

I would shy away from stating that you have only had consultations recently in connection with benefits claims, as this is not relevant.

Don't forget, the important issue is to show that you still suffer from the walking limitations and/or care needs currently, as you did at the time of your previous award. (unless of course your limitations/care needs have improved or deteriorated).

It is highly unlikely that The DWP would ever contact any of the Hospital Consultants, etc that you may have seen in the past.

They may of course contact your G.P. and request that they fill out a GPFR in connection with your renewal. Again though, this is not a certainty.

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dla-aa-1pp-factual.pdf

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dla-aa-6pp-factual.pdf

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/medical-reports-completion.pdf

bro58