WRAG to SG Appeal Help

Have not had to appeal before and although I have downloaded your Guide, seizure activity this week has made it difficult to concentrate (sorry). Can I ask a couple of not so quick things to start me off because a call to the DWP has confused me and a long query I started to type here has just vanished and it's now 15:35hrs!

1. Is it correct that I can send the GL24 in with just a "reason" why I am starting the Appeals process and without any medical evidence so long as I put that this is to follow. I have only just received a copy of the ATOS report and am running out of time to put in an appeal and what medical reports I have are years out of date. When I spoke to the DWP they tried to insist that I send in evidence with the GL24.

2. When I do send in any medical evidence am I able to "correct" the ATOS report? The nurse's version of events is "forgetful" to say the least and her interpretation somewhat strange.

Unfortunately, I will also have to do some explanation of the report from my GP's surgery as well as this was filled in by my new GP who does not know me and who missed a couple of major problems. When listing fibromyalgia he put its only problem down as "tiredness" when in fact I have it very badly and it doesn't cause me tiredness - keeps me awake because of the pain!

I have now changed GPs.

3. When I get hold of some medical reports, will it matter that some of them are not directly related to the mobilising descriptor (for example, I hope to get something from the person I see about my asthma as it saying how bad it gets, how many courses of steroids I have to have, etc.) as this affects my ability to walk. Other health problems I have are not directly related to mobilising but have not been taken into account in the ATOS report although they were talked about in the medical, will evidence relating to these help?

4. Finally, with neuro probs such as epilepsy, should I have been seen by a doctor rather than a nurse?

Sorry for the long winded posting and thanks for any help.

T.Loopy

Sorry T Loops, I did a long reply to your post but, somehow, lost it! I will try again.

Sorry, I don't know what happened to my previous answer. I will do my best and I am sure other mods will chip in too.

1) Yes, all you need to do at this stage is say that you do not believe the DWP have considered the severity of your impairments. The important things is to get the GL24 submitted in time, you can send your other evidence and information afterwards. However, don't leave it too long as the idea is to get this decision overturned on reconsideration if possible.

How long do I have to appeal?

How to submit an appeal

2) Yes, you can correct any errors in the ESA85, indeed it might be essential that you do so. However, you should direct the majority of your time and energy in showing how you meet the Support Group descriptors.

Qualifying for the Support Group

3) Anything that supports your claim will be helpful. However, the more closely they relate to Support Group criteria, the more helpful they will be.

4) We know that some people with certain neuro conditions have to be assesed by a doctor, but I don't think the details of this are actually in the public domain.

I know that you have already downloaded the appeals guides so I won't post a link to them, however I would also like to draw your attention to the following

Is there any risk to challenging a decision?

Do I have to attend WFIs while I appeal?

If/when you have any further questions, please come back to ask them on this thread/topic as it helps to keep everything in one place. You might like to make this easier by bookmarking this thread or making it a 'favourite'.

Hope this helps