placed in wrag not support group

I'm just wondering if anyone can help us! My husband has been placed in wrag despite meeting one of the descriptors for the support group, ie not able to walk 50 metres.
His medical assessment was done in France and the doctor filled out the same form that my husband completed ESA50 with only a couple of extra pages for the doctor to add extra information
I've looked at the guides and understand that the walking is to be assessed using reasonable aids ie walking stick, wheelchair. My husband uses a walking stick (which was not noted in his medical report of which we have a copy) but what constitutes a reasonable aid? we have a few steps at the front of the house how is he supposed to get a wheelchair down the steps?
I apologise for this post everything is so confusing and the more I look into it the more confused I get!

Kpotts wrote: I'm just wondering if anyone can help us! My husband has been placed in wrag despite meeting one of the descriptors for the support group, ie not able to walk 50 metres.
His medical assessment was done in France and the doctor filled out the same form that my husband completed ESA50 with only a couple of extra pages for the doctor to add extra information
I've looked at the guides and understand that the walking is to be assessed using reasonable aids ie walking stick, wheelchair. My husband uses a walking stick (which was not noted in his medical report of which we have a copy) but what constitutes a reasonable aid? we have a few steps at the front of the house how is he supposed to get a wheelchair down the steps?
I apologise for this post everything is so confusing and the more I look into it the more confused I get!

Hi Kp,

As you seem to have gathered it is not a "Walking" test alone.

The walking part of it takes into account whether your hubby can walk no more than 50 meters, this test includes the use of a walking stick or sticks, crutches, Zimmer Frame, etc.

As it is not just a walking test, it also takes into account whether he could "Mobilise" the requisite 50 meters or more by using a manual wheelchair unaided. i.e. it does not include a motorised or powered wheelchair or scooter.

By unaided it means that he would have to be able to self propel it, without any one assisting him or pushing the wheelchair.

It should also be taken into account whether or not your hubby could transfer to and from the wheel chair unaided.

Both these "Descriptors" are covered under activities 1. and 2. of The SG Descriptors. :

SG (LCWRA)Schedule 3 Descriptors

It should also be taken into account whether it would be "Reasonable" for your hubby to use a manual wheelchair unaided.

Having to use steps to access your property could be a reason why it may be unreasonable to expect hubby to use a manual wheelchair.

As with all the Descriptors, it is not just whether you can carry them out, it is whether you can do so Repeatedly, Reliably and Safely, without suffering severe pain, discomfort or breathlessness, for the "Majority" of the time. If he can't then he should be classed as not being able to do them at all.

This is covered in our ESA Claims Guides on this page :

ESA Claims Guides

See also The WCA Handbook 2nd link from the bottom on the same page.

This may also help : Qualifying for the Support Group

There is also a topic on ESA, aids and wheelchair use in our Spotlights area :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=top...id=10&id=87202#87202

If you wish to appeal The WRAG award, you have one month from the date of the decision notice letter, using The GL24 which can be downloaded from the link on this page :

How to submit an appeal

It would be advisable to have a look through all our :

Appeals FAQ’s if you are considering an appeal.

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