Aged 64 - My 8th Medical Is Surely One Too Many

Just been told, that after 7 previous medicals for IB, I now have to undergo another one, when not only is all the mounting evidence of my worsening mental deterioration the same, but I am, now, within 13 months of reaching state retirement age.

How, will ATOS/DWP, be able to justify that after 20 years on IB, one last medical will suddenly prove I am fit for work? Therefore, I hope I will be able to enlist the support of this brilliant site and its hardworking forum moderators to help others in a similar situation by asking a number of questions regarding claimants behaviour at their medical, in the coming days.

Firstly, having read all the excellent advice on Benefits & Work, regarding preparation for medicals, if I am, once again, asked a question regarding information I have put in my ESA submission can I simply refer the nurse/doctor/vet/ physiotherapist to my ESA50, which I believe, from posts on this forum, they probably have not read.

For example Benefits & Work suggest I will be asked: “Do You Use A Computer?” I have fully explained, now, for the 8th time on my ESA50 the reasons I am incapable of using a computer. This is supported by medical evidence and it has always been accepted with a continued award of IB. Despite my mental problems, in 7 previous medicals I have, at each medical, been forced to verbally repeat my written ESA50 submission, which has always been accepted.

Now I am angry and simply want to reply to such questions: “Please refer to my ESA50” Most of the questions I have been asked at previous successful medicals could have been answered in the same way ie “Please refer to my ESA50 and supporting medical evidence” I would welcome your advice. Thank you

jessss wrote: Just been told, that after 7 previous medicals for IB, I now have to undergo another one, when not only is all the mounting evidence of my worsening mental deterioration the same, but I am, now, within 13 months of reaching state retirement age.

How, will ATOS/DWP, be able to justify that after 20 years on IB, one last medical will suddenly prove I am fit for work? Therefore, I hope I will be able to enlist the support of this brilliant site and its hardworking forum moderators to help others in a similar situation by asking a number of questions regarding claimants behaviour at their medical, in the coming days.

Firstly, having read all the excellent advice on Benefits & Work, regarding preparation for medicals, if I am, once again, asked a question regarding information I have put in my ESA submission can I simply refer the nurse/doctor/vet/ physiotherapist to my ESA50, which I believe, from posts on this forum, they probably have not read.

For example Benefits & Work suggest I will be asked: “Do You Use A Computer?” I have fully explained, now, for the 8th time on my ESA50 the reasons I am incapable of using a computer. This is supported by medical evidence and it has always been accepted with a continued award of IB. Despite my mental problems, in 7 previous medicals I have, at each medical, been forced to verbally repeat my written ESA50 submission, which has always been accepted.

Now I am angry and simply want to reply to such questions: “Please refer to my ESA50” Most of the questions I have been asked at previous successful medicals could have been answered in the same way ie “Please refer to my ESA50 and supporting medical evidence” I would welcome your advice. Thank you

Hi j,

Do not make the mistake of comparing the ESA WCA, with the previous 7 IB PCA's that you have had.

This is a totally different ball game.

We have had many members who have been in receipt of IB for many years, and then been found fit for work when being transferred over to ESA.

Unfortunately, everyone in receipt of IB, IS, or SDA will be transferred over to ESA by Spring 2014, this migration has been going on since March 2011.

None of the above benefit recipients are exempt, unless they reach State Retirement Age by 06/04/14.

See :

When will I be transferred?

Who will be transferred?

What will I be transferred to?

From our : IB, IS, SDA, Migration to ESA FAQ’s

You will have to attend a face to face, if it has been deemed necessary, or your benefits may cease.

May I suggest that you review our : ESA Claims Guides

Have a read through The WCA Handbook on the same page, and there is also a template letter there for requesting that your "Medical" is recorded.

See also : ESA Medical – What to expect

From our : ESA FAQ’s

You can also read information on the above on The ATOS Website :

www.atoshealthcare.com/claimants

bro58