Disability

[Heyep]

Is AF considered a disability and can you get a blue badge? I find walking so difficult at times as Im exhausted and so breathless.

[BobD Volunteer]

Generally speaking AF is not a disability per se. You would have to convince the board that you were disabled by it I think. This is an old chestnut with no single answer but you would need to do some fighting I fear and then maybe loose. Is there anybody out there who has won?

Bob

[Heyep in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I thought as much.

[Loo53 in reply to Heyep]

Yes I asked about this one about a month ago but when I read all the palava surrounding it I decided to not bother...

[Jomack]

You should go for it! Really what have you got to loose?!? :0)

[Loquitir]

It's not the name of the condition which makes it a disability but the affect it has on your day to day activities such as breathlessness, walking, sitting, carrying, tiredness. If walking is difficult for you, then apply. You can apply via the the PIP benefit or directly to your local council. You will need to get a letter from your dr or cardiologist confirming that you have difficulty walking less than 10 metres without feeling tired, breathless or discomfort.

The local authority will then assess by phone once you submit your blue badge application. You need to press upon them all of your difficulties.

I know from helping others that AF is both a disability under the Equality Act and can also be eligible for a blue badge if the patient is affected by day to day activities.

Good luck

[Lizzo]

I have got a blue badge as a result of a combination of my AF and knee problems. The first one I got on the strength of a letter from my doctor, but the rules have now changed and I had to have an assessment for my last one. I think that it was my breathlessness that swung it. They were sympathetic and I wasn't made to feel like a scrounger, so I would say to go for it - you have nothing to lose and and a lot to gain!

[BStanding56]

Yes I have one, I was the samex

[StClares]

I rang my local Council to ask for an application form at the end of an awful, really breathless, AF day.( I'd just staggered in from the supermarket which I'd barely managed to get round and the final ordeal of pushing the cart to the far end of the car park made me weep). To my surprise I was interviewed then and there and was approved for a Blue Badge. I think my long list of meds helped. I've also had multiple joint replacements but don't think that's revelant as they constitute a cure... On good days I try not to use the badge, on bad days it's a godsend. Try asking and good luck!

[Offcut]

I have a blue badge but do not have PIP but do have Support ESA. I have had a badge for a number of years but they did ask for an assessment last year which turned out they had got my address mixed up with someone else? I have arthritis in my feet, knees, spine,neck and shoulders plus AF, Tachycardia, Atrial Pulmonary Hypertension, Pulmonary Fibrosis and Restrictive Lung Disease.

The councils usually work on the remit of if you are on PIP mobility then you will get one anything else you have to fight for.

Be Well

[Heyep]

Thank you all for your advice. Ill look into it x

[LittleAine29]

I am wondering the same thing ! I get middle rate DLA at the moment for all my other health issues and was thinking of trying for higher rate now that I have cronic AF ! A blue badge would be very useful too for my friend when she runs me about in her car

[Icenae]

I have had disability living allowance for about 15 years. Af, pacemaker, and fibromyalgia. I got the higher rate mobility so got a blue card automatically. I have now had the dreaded PIP letter saying my DLA will end even though it was for indefinite period. So now have to go through the rigmarole again.

Not happy as now 64 and mostly dont want to lose the blue card.

Seems they reject virtually every application and you have to then appeal, just to add to stress.