How to explain my condition on ESA050 form?

Hi there,

New to this and my first post. I am unsure how best to fill in the form, I have been on IB for several years due to spinal problems, last year I was transferred to ESA and originally put in the WRAG group which I appealed (and won due to a legal technicality) and was subsequently put in the support group.

Now I have received another ESA050 and am having difficulty in filling it in. If i briefly explain my condition I am hoping someone can explain what boxes I need to tick and how best to explain my condition.

Having always had spinal and back problems that limited my mobility, 2yrs ago I underwent another round of spinal surgery. I ended up staying in hospital for 4 months due to severe complications during surgery resulting in a cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF leak)

My mobility has improved since the surgery however I still suffer with a CSF leak that we currently have no way of correcting. The CSF leak means that I leak the fluid that cushions the brain and suffer with severe migraines that are positional, if I lay flat then the pain subsides but not disappears, most days I lay flat in bed and the moment I sit up at any angle I become symptomatic again, the longer I stay upright the longer it takes to recover when laying flat. I also suffer with blurred vision and am unable to read or write anymore.

Painkillers are not an option as they increase the headache and the only relief I get is with huge doses of caffeine tablets (oddly it increase the production of the CSF fluid and subsequently tops up the brain with the missing fluid and therefore eases the symptoms but only for a short period of time)


Physically if I could actually stand up then I would be able to walk 50metres, however because I cannot stand up how best do I answer the question?

Also is the question about putting a pen in my top pocket restricted to me having to stand when putting a pen in my pocket? Obviously laying flat I am able to freely move my arms to put something in the breast pocket of my pyjamas but I am unsure whether to tick yes or no? Also I am able to lift a 1kg bag of sugar but only if laying flat!?!

I am also extremely concerned that if ATOS ask me to go for an interview I know I will not be able to attend, I am just unable to be at a vertical angle for any period of time. Is there anyway to demand they come to interview me at my home?

Lots of questions and feeling very concerned as to how I get this across to them? I know its a fairly unique complex condition, any help is greatly appreciated.

Tori (typed by shaun-carer)

Toria Knill wrote: Hi there,

New to this and my first post. I am unsure how best to fill in the form, I have been on IB for several years due to spinal problems, last year I was transferred to ESA and originally put in the WRAG group which I appealed (and won due to a legal technicality) and was subsequently put in the support group.

Now I have received another ESA050 and am having difficulty in filling it in. If i briefly explain my condition I am hoping someone can explain what boxes I need to tick and how best to explain my condition.

Having always had spinal and back problems that limited my mobility, 2yrs ago I underwent another round of spinal surgery. I ended up staying in hospital for 4 months due to severe complications during surgery resulting in a cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF leak)

My mobility has improved since the surgery however I still suffer with a CSF leak that we currently have no way of correcting. The CSF leak means that I leak the fluid that cushions the brain and suffer with severe migraines that are positional, if I lay flat then the pain subsides but not disappears, most days I lay flat in bed and the moment I sit up at any angle I become symptomatic again, the longer I stay upright the longer it takes to recover when laying flat. I also suffer with blurred vision and am unable to read or write anymore.

Painkillers are not an option as they increase the headache and the only relief I get is with huge doses of caffeine tablets (oddly it increase the production of the CSF fluid and subsequently tops up the brain with the missing fluid and therefore eases the symptoms but only for a short period of time)


Physically if I could actually stand up then I would be able to walk 50metres, however because I cannot stand up how best do I answer the question?

Also is the question about putting a pen in my top pocket restricted to me having to stand when putting a pen in my pocket? Obviously laying flat I am able to freely move my arms to put something in the breast pocket of my pyjamas but I am unsure whether to tick yes or no? Also I am able to lift a 1kg bag of sugar but only if laying flat!?!

I am also extremely concerned that if ATOS ask me to go for an interview I know I will not be able to attend, I am just unable to be at a vertical angle for any period of time. Is there anyway to demand they come to interview me at my home?

Lots of questions and feeling very concerned as to how I get this across to them? I know its a fairly unique complex condition, any help is greatly appreciated.

Tori (typed by shaun-carer)

Hi TK,

Welcome to Benefits and Work

Although providing documented evidence of any medical conditions is important, you we will be assessed on any limitations caused as a result of these medical conditions, rather than the medical conditions themselves.

Therefore, it important that you show how you score at least the minimum 15 points required for entry to The WRAG. :

Qualifying for the WRAG

And/Or, you fulfill at least one of The SG qualifying descriptors. :

Qualifying for the Support Group

From our : ESA FAQ’s

You may wish to consider :

Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

Whilst referring to the guides under the heading of "New ESA50 form"

On this page :

ESA Claims Guides

See also :

How long do I have to complete the ESA50?

ESA50 too big for the envelope

&

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

The ESA Claims Guides will take you through each question, step by step.

If you then have any particular query as you are working your way through it, you can pose it here, by replying to this topic.

You may wish to Bookmark/Favourite this page in your browser, so that you can return to it easily.

bro58

Can you help with regards to the whole 'pen in pocket' and 'lifting arms above head' issue

Are these based on being in a stood upright position?

As I am virtually unable to be upright 99% of the time is it best to answer No and then explain why I have ticked this box?

Toria Knill wrote: Can you help with regards to the whole 'pen in pocket' and 'lifting arms above head' issue

Are these based on being in a stood upright position?

As I am virtually unable to be upright 99% of the time is it best to answer No and then explain why I have ticked this box?

Hi TK,

Whilst taking into account guidance with our guides, on this and all other "Activities" (questions), if you feel that one of the tick box options does not fully explain your limitations, then you do not have to tick them.

You can simply state " None of the tick box options are applicable to my limitations, please see information below"

Then go into detail in the text box, and on any added A4 pages.

Do not be constrained by the tick box options, make the ESA50 applicable to your limitations rather than the other way round.

bro58