ESA Medical Assessment

I have my appeal for The ESA in Birmingham in One weeks time ( 16th January 2014). Its come a bit quicker than i thought it would. its only been a couple of months; when my son went through the same process 2yrs ago,it took nearly 10 months. I suppose thats because they're only doing a couple of areas (The Midlands and Wales,I believe).

Firstly, i want to say i have had wonderful help and support from the welfare rights officer at Sandwell Metropolitan Council. He will be attending the hearing with me. I think many more on this site should access these people. my sister had support from hers at Derbyshire Council, and she was successful with her appeal. The people at Sandwell and other councils are,in my view. true heroes. For no extra pay,they put themselves out,to help people like me,in these truly terrible times.

I cant, however,be as complimentary about my GP.I've only been with him 3yrs,since i moved to my new address. To put it bluntly,he's been a difficult so and so.Like most people with my illnesses (Ankylosing Spondylitis & Emphysema) i don't actually go to my GP for treatment,only prescription refills & occasional check ups. Treatment is determined by my specialist rheumatologist at city hospital. When he was sent the Form ESA113 to fill in,instead of doing it himself,he gave it to another GP,who i'd only seen 3 or 4 times,and never about my main illnesses,to fill in. And what a shocker he produced.On the form where it asked the Dr to Tick off all the problems i have with movement,reaching,picking things up etc,and fill in any comments on my problems,he wrote "Not Known" Not Known!! How could he put that? Even though he'd never seen me over my problems,how could any Dr,with his knowledge of the symptoms & my notes to look at,put "Not Known"? Its a killer

I went back to my own Dr and complained,and asked him to sign and practice stamp a tick form provided by the council officer,he reluctantly did this (and charged me another £12). It wasnt till the Welfare officer pointed out that hed ticked Yes to my having no problem Making a Main Meal (Which I Do) and put my walking as "Normal" That i realised His support was useless. I went back again with another form,this time pre ticked by the welfare officer,and asked him to sign that instead.He point blank refused,and simply amended and signed the original form. What a mess. I know from this site,that the first form that was sent in with the "not Known" is the one that the Appeal will take most note of; especially as we're going for the "Cannot mobilize more than 50 metres" Descriptor

Sorry,this has been so long. I've downloaded, "Employment And Support Allowance Appeals" January 2012. Is this the best document on this site For dealing with ESA appeals? thank you for any advice and support

Hi Kevin,

I am glad that you have foound your council's Welfare Support Officer helpful. Unfortunately, due to funding cuts, many claimants are unable to access this kind of help

Good luck with your tribunal!

decided to take the Advice from on here and tried,On Monday, to observe a tribunal session at Temple court,Birmingham,where my Appeal will be. However,arrived after 3pm and there were only a couple of ESA appeals & none of the appellants would agree to me observing. So i went back today for the afternoon session (Couldn't make the morning session) and Despite the fact they had 6 ESA appeals booked i couldn't get into one as,once again,all the appellants refused to have me sit in. It's very frustrating. To some extent,i can understand. They have personal details they may feel embarrassing to discuss in front of strangers. I could however do with seeing one in action,so I'll be returning for tomorrow afternoons session (Can't make the morning one again. My hearing is Thursday,so tomorrow is my last chance. I know they're supposed to be public sessions,and at least one of the Court Clerks did ask the Judge to over rule,but he refused,But i wish i could watch by video or something. I just want to see how these appeals work. I've already told the Court Clerk that I'll be more than happy to have observers at my hearing

How frustrating for you, but you are right they can be very personal. I agree it will be a good experience so keep persevering and I hope you have more luck.