Date: 04.05.2011
From: kirst
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Subject: curious... (wsa related)
i have RA, prior to diagnosis i was a student then after uni i had 2 children so i never got the time to enter into a job.
around the time of diagnosis my partner let his job to care for me and our 2 children (at the time 19months old and 2 months) because i simply couldnt phsically do anything for them.
I got the diagnosis and went on ESA safe in the knowledge that i would be helped in finding work or excused from finding work untill i became better in health.
i had the medical and low and behold i was found to be capable of work by the twit nurse doing the asessment. (she didnt even know what some of the drugs i was on were or how they worked). so i am battleing with an appeal on the grounds that should i be fit for work i should be allowd the correct support in finding an employer who is sympathetic of the effects of RA.
ive given up on DLA because i recently moved and as the house is adapted (wetroom shower, grab rails ect) my partner doesnt need to help me with personal care as much. and i also think i was being peanalised because of my age (23 at time of claim),
anyway i would like to know if anyone has experienced this sence of having to smash a brick wall down, when it comes to getting the benifits or help you are entitled to??? any advice would be fantastic.
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Date: 06.05.2011
From: Dilizjo
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Subject: Re: curious... (wsa related)
I can fully empathise with you, I also had an ESA assessment, which to say the very least is a complete waste of government resources as well as my time and physical strength.
The nurse failed to mention how RA caused me to only sleep for 2-3 hours a night, which led to me being fatigued during the day and haivng to take a nap in the sfternoon, even though I explained this problem in great detail to her.
She failed to note that I stumbled forward whilst trying to keep grip of a piece of paper that I was trying to put on the table in front of me.
To be honest we would be here all day and I would write a book on the stupidity of her report, the one thing she acknowledged was that I experienced a lot of problems whilst walking and awarded me 6 points for that.... Whoopee! 6 points out of the 15 needed was not good.
I spoke to people at ESA and was advised to appeal without delay which I did, I am still waiting for the tribunal dates and info, but during this time I am gathering information and letters from my GP and Rhuemy dept, I have written a step by step report on the report done by ASOS on DWP's behalf and will be including that. I am lucky in the respect that I took a witness with me to the assessment. I am forwarding copies of everything I have to the ESA decision makers as they have informed me that they can actuallt overturn an ASOS recommendation.
Pull all the stops out Kirst and don't give up, it is about time these people understood the severity of discomfort this condition causes and the effect it has on our lives.
Please keep in touch.
xx
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