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Date: 02.09.2009
From: monica

Subject: Disability living allowance

Hi Jill and everyone
I used to be a civil servant, i say used to be because i was redundent on medical grounds. The stress, working on a computer none stop, the wrong desk and chair, everything got me down, any my union rep helped me. But back to the dla, as you have probably mentioned Jill you have to apply before you are 65yrs of age, you can be kept on it indefinitly or until they decide otherwise the rates are Care component Weekly rate
Highest rate £70.35
Middle rate £47.10
Lowest rate £18.65
Mobility component Weekly rate
Higher rate £49.10
Lower rate £18.65
When filling in the form, always always put you worst day scenario, never evr put you have had a good day, they will throw it out. It does not matter what your disability is, they looking to see what you can and cannot do for yourself, like can you dress yourself, wash yourself, cook a meal for yourself. They will also repeat the same question in a different way, so be careful. Yes get your doctor, specuialist, physio to help, or the cab. I used to fill in the forms foer people, even tell them to apply if i thought they were not fit enough for work. So just be careful, remember always worse day. even if you feel on top of the world the day you are filling in the form. If you get top rate in mobility you can use towards a car if you drive. Then all you have to pay for is the petrol, nothing else, you change it every three
years, if back in good condition you get £200.00 back. On some cars you may have to put an advance payment down, but if you cannot afford it phone motobility up then if they think you cannot pay they will pay it for you, it is like a means test, but if you are out of work lets face it who has the money. You can go to any dealer who does motobility which are quite a few. So go and apply who can and good luck.Also they do adaptions to the car if needed.

Monica
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Date: 02.09.2009
From: Lynne

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Pleased your keeping the flag flying on this one monica we try to raise this matter every couple of weeks for the newbys on here. Pleased to have you on board. Take care xx
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Date: 02.09.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Monica...thx for that info...I get high rate....got a car, but it does help, as I cant work either.... all info is important in here, greatly received x
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Date: 04.09.2009
From: Lynne

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Plus you can get a little blue badge so you can park almost anywhere. And if you get full mobility component your car tax is paid for too.. how good is that lol xxx
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Date: 14.09.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

bump
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Date: 14.09.2009
From: Janet

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Can you apply for DLA if you are newly diagnosed and there is a chance that your symptoms will settle down in the future?
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Date: 14.09.2009
From: Della

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

really annoyed phoned dla today as been 9 weeeks since my claim they bloody lost one of my forms good job i phoned grrrr sorry for ranting folks x
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Date: 14.09.2009
From: Janet

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Did you send the forms off once you were diagnosed? did your Rheumy or GP tell you to apply?
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Date: 15.09.2009
From: Della

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi janet i think its after 12 weeks ill have a look for u but others know a bit more than myself if i were u i would applie and get the forms as it take ages to fill them in have a look on the site for info under the headings dla lots of info on there good luck also go online to the gov sites that will tell u i'm sure x
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Date: 15.09.2009
From: Janet

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Thanks Della I will apply for a pack and try to get the ball rolling. x
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Date: 15.09.2009
From: val h :-)

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

get help filling it in from what other have said u get better results if some one else does it for u
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Date: 13.01.2010
From: Lynne

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Bump another good post
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Date: 17.01.2010
From: James

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Bump bump
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Date: 02.02.2010
From: jILL

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Bumping this up for all peeps that dont know they r entited to this x
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Date: 03.02.2010
From: Verity

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Its made such a difference to my life since getting it. You must apply!
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Date: 07.02.2010
From: J

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Bumpty bump
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Date: 07.02.2010
From: julie

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

My name is julie and I've got RA I get dla but mines for 2 years because of my new medication, they say I could improve. Well I didn't so I will have to re-apply later on in year
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Date: 08.02.2010
From: Verity

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Definately re-apply Julie! DEFINATELY!
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Date: 08.02.2010
From: Jill

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

I have to reapply every three bliddy years, drives me nuts, know some peeps that get it indefinately........im chronic, has 7 corrective surgeries, but some havnt worked...Y do the DLA people keep asking Me if im better.....mine is degenerative, dont only have Inflam Artha, I have DDD, Tendon Degenration and Reiters diseass, oh and Cervical spondy of neck and whole of spine is arthritis, also need another Spine op, so I get angry that I have to keep reapplying, 3 years goes fast, and the form is Blidddy huge... anyway applying for the DLA is important, so I will reapply...anyone in here that has DLA(highest rate) have it indefinately?
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Date: 08.02.2010
From: Verity

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

How on earth can they do that Jill? Surely your medical reports say everything they need to know! I bet you have lots of xray etc to showing how bad you are. Bloody hell. Have they ever denied you dla after u reaply?

I just got higher rate indefinately.... dont hate me...... lol
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Date: 08.02.2010
From: shaz

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

hi jill i havent got mine indefinetely either got to reapply summer 2011 not looking forward to it at all the form is a nightmare you think they would realise by the condition that you apply for it with and all the medical evidence that you supply them with that they would know that you not going to get better but then thats beaurocracy for you
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Date: 08.02.2010
From: Jill

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Lol U deserve it indefinately....no they have never denied me....ive got noted a foot high(truth)...all xrays and ops, plus pregnancy details...had 6 altogether!...no ownder ive got arthritis lolol....yea shaz ia right....red tape and all that !
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Date: 17.02.2010
From: asdf

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

www.asdf.com
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Date: 18.02.2010
From: Lynn B

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Wot? or Who is www.asdf.com???
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Date: 19.02.2010
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

good question!
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Date: 19.02.2010
From: Verity

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

It looks like someone trying to advertise their hosting website thingy.
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Date: 10.03.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

bumping up
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Date: 07.04.2010
From: alison

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

hi, to be brief im 34 years old and been told by incapacity doctors that i am unfit for work but only get my ni credits paid, i have narrowing in my disc spaces also arthritis so i have the steroid injections into my spine, all this results from an operation for scoliosis when younger, i have applied in the past for dla without success, there are people i know with lesser conditions recieving this so where am i going wrong please???? thanks
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Date: 07.04.2010
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

alison - have you got a Citizens Advice Bureau where you live ? This is the only way I got dla. Tried to do it myself and failed so I appealled and failed again at the Tribunal. I went to the CBA and they filled the form out for me then got it no problem. You have to leave it for 3 months [ I think ] after failing.
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Date: 07.04.2010
From: j

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Bumping up too
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Date: 14.02.2011
From: Hussain

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi, i have just received the dla forms through the post to re-apply for the benefit. I have severe RA throughtout my body which effects all my major joints, hands, fingers, feet, amkles, shoulders, knees, elbows, back etc ... I received the higher rate in mobility and lower in care, even though im sure i was entitled to higher in care i didnt bother appealing as my condition was so bad at the time i applied i was depressed as i couldnt comprehend why this happened to me? I applied on the advice of my doctor. Last year in april i had to stop taking methotrexate and steroid injections due to developing acute pancreatitis where a gall stone passed and blocked my pancreas. i remained in hospital for 3 months and just about escaped with my life. I have since had surgery to remove the gall bladder andmy pancreas has not yet healed. I recently went on an appointment to see my RA specialist and he wanted to re-start me on Prednisone steroids to try and get my RA under control. I am now nervous on how to re-apply for for the DLA. How do i apply and what do i write, will they say because i havent taken any medication for the RA for 10 months i am no longer entitled?
I am very happy i found this site as its people in the same boat as me, i feel its a godsend lol ...
Any help will be appreciated, i know my post rants on a little longer than most posts, but i didnt know how else to explain my situation.

thanks in advance to all who reply ....
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Date: 27.02.2011
From: J ill

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hello i have aggressive Ra but have been turned down for DLA. I am having a fusion operation on my ankle and am going to be laid up for a good few weeks. Any suggestions most welcome. Does any one know how long you stop anti tnf for. Guess I am having a downer all you seem to do is fight benefit agencies
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Date: 27.02.2011
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hey Jill I had my ankle fused 14/10/10. I came off my anti tnf for 5 weeks before surgery and for 8 weeks after. Being off things for so long and using crutches gave me a flare up. I had steroid infusions to tide my over.
If you have any questions about your fusion or want some advice give me a shout. I'm now officially fused and learning to walk a bit without my air cast on. Wearing 2 shoes is a novelty! Good luck anyway and let me know if I can help!
PS As you'll be out of action this is a good time to re-apply for your DLA as you are entitled to it!
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Date: 27.02.2011
From: Jill

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Thank you for your quick response. How long were you in hospital and what level of walking do you have now.I am normally an optomistic person but i am scared stiff. I hate losing the calming effect of Anti TNF.I am only in my forties and hate the flare ups
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Date: 27.02.2011
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hey Jill, I'm only 32 and also hate flare ups and the thought of being off the anti tnf scared me loads! I was in hospital overnight and came home the next day. I'm now fused successfully and can take my soft cast off. My ankle moves more than i expected and the arthritis pain has gone. I've been told i'll be off work for a year which made the decision to have the op a hard one. I dont regret it but it has been a hard slog. How mobile are you presently? Does your arthritis affect many joints? If you give me your email address I can send you through a note I sent a colleague who was having a fusion, may help. When's your op?
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Date: 27.02.2011
From: Jill

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi Lucy my RA affects many joints... ankles, hands, shoulders. When I haven't got a flare up I'm still able to teach part time. Are you in the north or south of the country Lucy.

My e-mail address is for note:

andy140 at hotmail dot co dot uk (in English to avoid auto spam)

Op in about 3 or 4 wks. Many thx for your help
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Date: 27.02.2011
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

I've emailed you some info, I'm in the middle - south staffordshire. Where're you? :)
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Date: 27.02.2011
From: cookie

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi all bit of advice really have had sero neg ra for 17 years got worse in nov and am awaiting review for anti tnfs i work full time (wish i didnt have to! !!!) have 2 young kids and a supportive partner who does so much around the house with kids etc. I can walk unaided but struggle from time to time. Have had steriod inj in the past ect. Do you think its worth while applying for dla or should i leave it. Thanks in advance xx
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Date: 28.02.2011
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi Cookie,
Definately apply, I havebeen lucky enough to get DLA and a motability car since I was 17. I can sometimes walk unaided, or have stick, crutches chair. I cant however walk without pain - this is the criteria for DLA. You could also look into carers allowance which your partner could claim though this is means tested. Its fab you work full time, I know what you mean about needing to!!! Definately get advice on filling in the forms and complete them as your worst day as our condition varies so much. Also be honest with yourself, us sufferers are great at saying its ok, I can cope!
Fingers crossed for the anti - tnfs I've been on them for 3 years and they have made such a difference.
Good luck honey x
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Date: 28.02.2011
From: cookie

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Thank you so much lucy i will give it a go xxx
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Date: 28.02.2011
From: Gaynor

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

I echo everything people have said here. I fill out these forms regularly for students. It's really important to appeal and keep appealing if they turn you down. This short term allocation is a load of rubbish, to be frank. Get letters from your doc, consultant, anyone with any medical know how and whack them with an appeal. Boggle them with information overload. Seriously. It seems to work.
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Date: 07.03.2011
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

how do i reclaim to have my rate changed to a higher band. It seems they only took into account my shoulder problem and dismissed every thing else.
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Date: 07.03.2011
From: davina

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

hi marlene when did you claim 1st?
when i made my 1st claim they rufused me so i asked for them to look at it again and i got full mobility and med care, so ask them to look. good luck
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Date: 07.03.2011
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

I claimed six months ago and they awarded the lowest rate £18.64 disabilty. In the letter i received they have only taken in to account my shoulder disabilty. I had slipped disc surgery which has left me with intense back pain although the siatica has gone. My old tennis elbow operation is now failing after a good 19 years. I have arthritic wrist and ankle. How do i Reclaim? I am so worried they may take back what they have awarded me. Ihave a blue badge from my local council, they were more helpful and sympathetic. I am so depressed at the moment physio tomorrow I hurt so much not looking forward to it.To-day my knee has been awful first time ever pain in this area.
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Date: 12.03.2011
From: Gill

Subject: Re:coming off anti tnf before surgery for ankle fusion

really worried that my consultant has told me to expect flare ups during this time. Already having trouble with my hands that required steroid injections even with anti tnf. I think the whole thing is hard emotionally,physically and financially
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Date: 24.03.2011
From: pat woods

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

hi my hubby has have been off work 2 years in july 2011 he has been told he has menieres deciese he has almost lost his hearing in 1 ear and part in the other he had ulner nerve op 5 months ago now having problems with his hand and arm had xrays scans blood test cant understand results of test for arthritus he said well should be .5 but this is 23 what is this, could be arthritus and said another name can he claim dla he had a medical after reclaiming contributary based income and support allowance and they said he was fit to work he is a roofer and has his arm in plaster help
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Date: 24.03.2011
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

I would advise just go for it. I did its hard to make them understand.Go to your CAB centre for help with filling out form dont make my mistake and do it yourself.I am now doing all the forms for a second time this time with help. Good Luck. If you dont ask you dont get. keep smiling
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Date: 05.05.2011
From: lisa austin

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi I am lisa I am 40 and in remission from cancer . I recd dla whilst on chemo radio . I have since got a blood disorder von willerbrands and arThritis in my back and spine and obviously depression as you can imagine due to all this . Appealed and lost and have followed each step now waitin for answer from london first tier judge ! Do you know if I can do anything if that doesn't work is there an ombudsman . So annoyed it has been going on 18.tths . So upset that I know people who are lying and get benefits . Thanks .
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Date: 05.05.2011
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Dont get me going!!! I am also fighting DLA. I just hope your claim is successful this tiime hang in there. Dont give them the satisfaction of you giving up!!!!!!
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Date: 06.05.2011
From: Dilizjo

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Thankyou for this info I will most certainly give it a try even though my ESA medical assessment has said I will be fit to work in 3 months....
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Date: 28.06.2011
From: lisa austin

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hiya its lisa told you about having cancer in remission now and arthritis in back and von willerbrands and been to first tier tribunal they rejected again altho they agreed with me they deal with points of law ! Rand dla they not helpful . Do u know who if there is 1 is the ombudsman for DLA ? Thanku
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Date: 28.06.2011
From: Dilizjo

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi Lisa,
Really sorry you are suffering at the hands of the DLA it appears that they are a disease in themselves NOWEWON'TPAYYOUTILLWEHAVEMADEYOUSUFFERMOREITIS
maybe we should put that on our forms as one of our disabilities, but that aside please read my post to Marlene under Screammmmmmmmmmm DLA and sign the petition.
I am not sure there is an obudsman for government run departments, which is not surprising at all... maybe the press should get involved.
anyway please keep us updated xx
Take care
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Date: 29.06.2011
From: Dilizjo

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

hhi Lisa I have just been looking on the web for the complaints proceedure and have this link for you
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/contact-us/complaints-and-appeals/
hope it helps
take care
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Date: 06.10.2012
From: Angela

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi all
I have had dla for 3 years and had to re-apply i have severe vertigo and most days need help my husband has taken early retirement to help me with my needs and we have now moved into a bungalow to give me more freedom to move around the house without having to tackle stairs.
i received a letter from them telling me they had received my form and will look at my form and be in touch...can anyone tell me how long it takes for them to inform me if i have been able to carry on receiving dla or not. i cant stop worrying just in-case they refuse me can any one shed any light on this for me
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Date: 15.08.2013
From: charlene taylor

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi can anyone please give me any advice, my daughter is 3 years old and she is disabled she recieves dla, and im her full time carer, im a single parent i care for my daughter and i have a younger son, this year i have been diagnosed with easrly stages of arthuritus in my spine it kills me everyday but i still push myself to do all the jobs i do, and no matter how much pain i get i wud rather care for my daughter then anyone else would i be able to recieve anythink for my problem or not?
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Date: 24.09.2013
From: gillian

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

hi I have had a operation on my right elbow and it has,nt worked as I cant do any thing with it would I be able to claim dla as I cant even work now as my job is cleaning I cant put my hair up shower prepare a meal or even cook it and I cant even dress my self with the pains I got the pains 24/7
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Date: 26.08.2014
From: sofia

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Can you get DLA for tennis elbow And a trapped nerve ?
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Date: 12.06.2015
From: Nick

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi, I am writing on behalf of my wife, 3 years ago she broke her ankle in numerous places & had 2 surgeries which required plates & bolts etc. Since then she has severe ankle problems, if she walks anywhere further than the end of the street her ankle swells & she will be in pain for the rest of the day & need to take painkillers to ease the pain. The medical report from her injury states that she as she gets older she will suffer from sever arthritis & will need approx. 3-4 surgeries (synovectomy??) in her life to clear the tissue out (I am assuming this is arthritis related). I keep telling her to apply for DLA but she said because she can walk so just wanted opinions from you guys :-)

Thanks
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Date: 12.06.2015
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

hi Nick , they are changing DLA over to PIP & the critiria is a lot harder , its best to get professional help to fill the forms in , like CAB
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Date: 13.06.2015
From: lois

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi Nick, does your wife have a Blue Badge? You can apply at your local council.
I don't know much about PIP but if you apply what is the worse thing they can say NO.
Good luck with it all.
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Date: 14.07.2016
From: Janet

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

I've just been to see the consultant he said I have to wear an air cast as I have grade four arthritis in my ankle also have it in my knees . he's booked me in for an MRI scan and to see him when the results are in .I'm not sure why I need a new scan . I use crutches one but sometimes two . I can't get upstairs very well does anyone know if I can claim pip or what ever it is now. I hope you all are as well as you can be .
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Date: 15.07.2016
From: lucy

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

Hi Janet, There is no harm in calling for a form and filling it in, i think most people are refused first time but it's worth a try and if you can get someone to help you with the form it might help too. Good luck. x
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Date: 22.10.2016
From: andrew

Subject: Re: Disability living allowance

no feeling in left hand from cut to wrist .it as left me in a lot of pain and nerve damage 24/7 do you think i could claim p i p
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