Hi All
Just received my HP report that was requested on 9 September, the letter from DWP is dated 22 October it's a good job I didn't need it for an MR.
I have bilateral vestibular failure and the effects of this condition on me is severe enough to have got me the enhanced rate for both living and mobility.
I wanted the report because I only scored 12 points for each and I wanted to know why and also why my award was for just 3 years despite the proven fact that my condition and it's affects are irreversible and untreatable. I also have a recent diagnosis of Aspergers and an 8 page report from a clinical psychologist was included confirming my difficulties with engaging with others.
I received 0 points for engaging with others face to face, the HP wrote, he reports that he gets stressed and finds people difficult and even keeping eye contact was observed to be difficult. I made the point in my questionnaire that fluorescent lighting made my vestibular condition worse but the office was lit that way so I told him that unless you can turn the lights off I will not be able to continue with the assessment, the HP wrote "he was confident enough to be able to ask for the room to be changed" I also made the mistake of going on my own in a taxi so because of these two reasons I was denied any points I was expecting at least 4 points and I'm confident that with the medical report about Aspergers which explains how I meet the criteria a tribunal would have awarded me those points. It was further noted that because of my difficulties in engaging with others face to face I do not go out, this also added to the reason no points were awarded for this activity because the HP said that as I do not go out it's not a major concern.
My award is for 3 years although the HP thought i should be reviewed in 2 years because although I scored no points for any mental health issues I take over the counter medication for depression, so there might be a change. The HP further stated that my primary condition is unlikely to change or improve before the review date. This is very odd because I only scored points for my primary condition.
Finally, the HP decided that I can walk 50 metres despite acknowledging that I used walls and door frames to support myself over the 15 metres to the room and acknowledged that I could not walk any distance outside when it's dark. Thank goodness that DWP decision maker could read and increased my score from 10 points to 12 allowing me to keep the higher award.
For those members who have mental health issues please take heed of my experience, take someone with you to an assessment and don't speak up for yourself let the person accompanying you do that.
For all members having difficulty with their claim do get the HP report because it seems that there is always something in it that can be successfully argued at a tribunal.
