Are some claimant groups always called for medical

I was interested to read last night’s post by Mags and bro58’s response that “Doctors should be used with certain neurological conditions”:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=topic&catid=10&id=98431

It left me wondering in what circumstances a claimant is always (or usually) required to attend a face-to-face interview irrespective of comprehensive answers to the ESA 50 questions, medical evidence and other relevant data.

I have a long-term and progressive neurological disorder with secondary orthopaedic problems and mental health issues. My neurological condition is not curable and has failed to respond to what treatment is available. The best I can hope for it that my level of physical disability and pain will remain the same or that further progression will be slower than in the past.

I believe I have enough evidence to gain access to the Support Group without an ATOS medical. In addition, when drafting answers in advance of notice of transfer I have covered questions likely to the asked at a face-to-face assessment: “During the assessment a healthcare professional will gather information about a person’s medical history and their current medication. They then focus on what the person does in a typical day, how this is achieved and how it varies or fluctuates.”

I feel sick with terror at the prospect of an ATOS medical but if a face-to-face would give me a better chance of Support Group entry I’d rather have one, assuming it was at a WCA centre I am able to reach and access. However, I think it unlikely that an HPC or doctor without an expert knowledge of my specific neurological condition could judge multiple limitations in the time in which claimants are processed. I fear an ATOS medical could work against me.

In short, are all claimants with neurological conditions and/or mental health problems required to attend a face-to-face WCA?

Gordon,

Thanks. I take it from your answer that there’s no group/groups of claimants that are always called to a face-to-face WCA. There’s no doubt that I meet more than one SG descriptor from part 1 of the current ESA 50 so I can only hope for a “fair trial”.

Hi MariW

Sorry if I confused you not very good at saying what I mean, I sent my ESA50 in December in March (I think) I rang them and they said I needed a f2f but had to see a doctor and the wait was because they were waiting for a doctor to be available, and July was first appointment with one in my area, and yes I have brain problems as well as others, so I presumed that was the case.

Take care
Mags

Hi Mags

No probs! We're all struggling through a system that I sometimes think is designed to confuse us! Fingers crossed that your f2f goes well and you get the award you need.

Take care,

Mari W