DLA query

Hello
Most confused, I have looked on various sites and cannot find the answer to this question. I am a carer for my husband who is in receipt of DLA mid rate care. He has only one lung and COPD. Last week after much conjoling I managed to get him back to the Doctor and his capacity has dropped to 30%. We knew it had worsened but shocked at how much, his medication was changed immediately. My question is this, he has an Indefinite award from 2007, we have been advised that with PIP he will be assessed again after 2015. Obviously I need to report a COC's so if I report it now, I mean next week, will he be reassessed under PIP or DLA? I realise there is an October deadline for something but am confused at what!

Elaine2 wrote: Hello
Most confused, I have looked on various sites and cannot find the answer to this question. I am a carer for my husband who is in receipt of DLA mid rate care. He has only one lung and COPD. Last week after much conjoling I managed to get him back to the Doctor and his capacity has dropped to 30%. We knew it had worsened but shocked at how much, his medication was changed immediately. My question is this, he has an Indefinite award from 2007, we have been advised that with PIP he will be assessed again after 2015. Obviously I need to report a COC's so if I report it now, I mean next week, will he be reassessed under PIP or DLA? I realise there is an October deadline for something but am confused at what!

Hi E2,

You are correct, as your husband's DLA award is indefinate, he would not have been invited to claim PIP until after October 2015.

If you report the CofC before October 2013, then he should be reviewed under DLA criteria, see :

What is the timetable for introducing personal independence payment (PIP)?

You only have to report this, if you feel that it may alter his qualification for the the existing award.

However, from your post, I would assume that you would be looking for an increase to his MR Care, etc.

Please see our : DLA Guides , where you will also find a guide entitled " Changes Of Circumstances For People Claiming Disability Living Allowance"

Under the heading ; "DLA Changes and Renewals"

bro58

Hi Bro
Thank you for that. I have read in brief the article regarding COC and think I will ring them on Monday to ask what I should do next. I will take the person's name etc. The Doc was shocked at my husbands deterioration as was the nurse so I think I will have a go at the higher rate to see what they say. I would be shocked if they took it away wouldnt you?

Elaine2 wrote: Hi Bro
Thank you for that. I have read in brief the article regarding COC and think I will ring them on Monday to ask what I should do next. I will take the person's name etc. The Doc was shocked at my husbands deterioration as was the nurse so I think I will have a go at the higher rate to see what they say. I would be shocked if they took it away wouldnt you?

Hi E2,

Your husband has my sympathy, COPD is such a debilitating disease.

30% puts him borderline severe to very severe stage COPD.

If he had a spirometry test, a copy of this, and any resulting report which should also include his MRC Breathlessness Scale Grading, (which is 1-5, 5 being the most severe) should help with this CofC.

bro58

bro58 wrote:

Elaine2 wrote: Hi Bro
Thank you for that. I have read in brief the article regarding COC and think I will ring them on Monday to ask what I should do next. I will take the person's name etc. The Doc was shocked at my husbands deterioration as was the nurse so I think I will have a go at the higher rate to see what they say. I would be shocked if they took it away wouldnt you?

Hi E2,

Your husband has my sympathy, COPD is such a debilitating disease.

30% puts him borderline severe to very severe stage COPD.

If he had a spirometry test, a copy of this, and any resulting report which should also include his MRC Breathlessness Scale Grading, (which is 1-5, 5 being the most severe) should help with this CofC.

bro58

Interpretation - COPD :

FEV1 is strongly recommended as the measurement of
choice in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
& is·diagnosed if FEV1/FVC ratio < 70%•

Classifications

Stage 1 Mild (80% or above)

Stage 2 Moderate (50-79%)

Stage 3 Severe (30-49%)

Stage 4 Very severe (below 30%)



Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea (Breathlessness) scale.

Grade Degree of breathlessness related to activities :

1 Not troubled by breathlessness except on strenuous exercise.

2 Short of breath when hurrying or walking up a slight hill.

3 Walks slower than contemporaries on level ground because of breathlessness, or has to stop for breath when walking at own pace.

4 Stops for breath after walking about 1OOmetres or after a few minutes on level ground.

5 Too breathless to leave the house, or breathless when dressing or undressing.

bro58