Blue badge

[Carole03]

Hi, Has anyone applied for a blue badge due to COPD/Emphysema? I recently applied with these conditions as I struggle with walking short distances, I sent all the information that was required and have been informed today that I do not qualify?? I know that COPD is not recognised as a disability but it is a mobility issue. I'm so confused & frustrated.

[Mopsey1897]

I think the only one that may qualify you, is if you can’t walk far without being breathless, if that is what happens to you when walking. You can apply again if you don’t think they have taken that into account. Can your hospital or gp confirm in writing that you struggle? That may help. COPD or emphysema is not considered a disability although it can affect mobility.

[Carole03 in reply to Mopsey1897]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I will ask my Consultant as I have an appointment next week. Walking differs from day to day but I'm always breathless to some degree no matter the distance. A blue badge would make life a little easier I'm sure. I haven't given up yet.

[O2Trees in reply to Carole03]

Carole you need to fill in the BB form with how you are on your worst days. Don't mess about with - some days I can walk better but some are bad. I have a badge and have always filled in the form like that.

[Carole03 in reply to O2Trees]

I will definately be putting that when I re apply. Thank you.

[Spacecat1]

I am in Birmingham City Council and had no problems I also have severe COPD with breathing problems I had a chat with my GPS and Asked if he could help with Letter I could send with. My form and it worked

[Carole03 in reply to Spacecat1]

Hi, thanks. I'm on the case to get a letter from Consultant or Doctor. I gave supporting evidence with my application, I assumed would be adequate! But, clearly not.

[Annscottie]

Hi Carole

I got my first Blue Badge in 2018. When I applied I was told to give my worst case scenario when walking and how it impacted on my ability to visit shops etc. I have severe COPD and Bronchiectasis.

The Council should have given you a reason as to why you were not eligible and I think you can appeal. This link gives you information on that:

citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...

I hope this helps and you are successful in your appeal. Do let us know how you get on.

[Carole03 in reply to Annscottie]

Hi, thanks for the info, I wish i had known prior applying, will certainly know better the 2nd time. I know realise I need to give more detail of my difficulties.

[JHutton1994]

COPD is most definitely classed as a disability. A disability is any condition that causes substantial impairment and lasts or is expected to last at least 12 months. COPD hits both brackets. Have you applied for PIP? If you get any rate of mobility on that you send that in as evidence and can get a blue badge. A GP letter confirming diffculty walking short distances should also do it.

[Carole03 in reply to JHutton1994]

Hi, I think COPD should definitely be classed as a disability and certainly has mobility issues on a daily basis. No, I've never applied for PiP, the blue badge is the only help I applied. But, thanks for your advice. Will look in PIP too

[HerLadyship]

I applied for a blue badge a few months ago and was approved for it ....however I have heart failure as well. I know they contacted my doctor before it was approved...might be worth appealing their decision and getting a note from your doctor. Good luck

[Carole03 in reply to HerLadyship]

Hi, it seems that it depends who's looking at your application as to who is approved! After reading all you lovely people's comments I really need to give more info regarding my mobility and get a Doctor/Consultant ketter.

[Homely2]

Went with my father in law to GP re blue badge. GP said, sometimes council contacts them re blue badge, sometimes it does not.

GP then put on their records that father in law had mobility issues. He said that would be enough if council contacted the GP practice.

[Carole03 in reply to Homely2]

Hi, I'm more than happy for them to contact my GP. If needed, unfortunately they didn't my application was denied. I haven't given up. Comment appreciated.

[Donald_1931]

Appeal, most seem to have to these days before it’s approved. You now have lots of advice on what to add. Few have to attend a hearing. 👍

[Carole03 in reply to Donald_1931]

Hi yes, it's seems several have to appeal. I certainly have had lots of advice. I now am better informed for sure. Thanks

[catlover54]

Morning. I had already had a blue badge for about six years. I went to renew and was turned down. Couldn't believe this as COPD/emphysema usually only gets worse over time or at best is kept stable. I went back to Council and they arranged for me to have a telephone call to talk about my condition. Spoke with lovely man on the 'phone and was then approved. As has already been said you must fill form in as you are on your worst day. Good luck and hope you are successful this time.

[Carole03 in reply to catlover54]

Morning, a friends husband applied over the phone and was approved, maybe that's a consideration. Thanks.

[Linziloo100]

you need to appeal and say you can’t walk as far as you obviously put to get the badge

[Carole03 in reply to Linziloo100]

Hi, I will be applying again, I'm gathering as much information to back up my next claim.

[B0xermad]

Don't take no for an answer ask for a review as I was refused 1st time

[Carole03 in reply to B0xermad]

Hi, it's so nice to know that there is other sufferers out there sharing their experiences & advice. I appreciate it. So, I won't give up,

[Biker88]

I have COPD and haven’t had any problems getting a blue badge, when I purchase VAT free disability equipment I’m asked what is your condition and COPD is accepted every time. You need a letter from a consultant stating your condition, I use the ones that my consultant sends to my GP, some areas won’t accept an application without a consultant letter. For the question “how far can you walk” my answer is I can’t walk any distance unaided, it helps if you have been provided with mobility equipment, walker, wheelchair etc. by your hospital or GP. This gives the assessor third party proof that your mobility is compromised.

[Carole03 in reply to Biker88]

Hi, I did submit Consultant letter with details of my condition, unfortunately it did not contain how it affects my mobility. I'll be sure the next one has relevant information.

[gingermusic]

I have COPD and have had a blue badge for many years. You must not be able to walk very far without it causing breathlessness to qualify

[BrigidsFire]

I applied with pulmonary fibrosis and was initially refused. There was an option to appeal so I did and was offered an appointment for a physio assessment. I was awarded the badge when she saw I had to a) stop talking when walking as I was so breathless, b) had to stop walking when coughing so that I could cross my legs due to incontinence (when I start to move from stationary I cough loads).

It's absolutely worth appealing rather than waiting until you see your consultant.

[Karenanne61]

I have severe copd and bronchiectasis and have a blue badge. Different councils seem to have different criteria. Also, although I always give permission for my gp to be contacted they would have no idea how the disease impacts my life!

[leo60]

I have severe COPD and was given a BB. I was able to tell them that I claim PIP and supported it with a letter from my Respiratory Nurse.

Defo reapply! Good luck xx

[PaperQueen]

Hi 'Carole. I've had a blue badge since 2022, in fact I'll have to renew it next year. I had no trouble getting one, I wonder if different councils differ in their response? I was told to say what it is like for you on your worst day, which someone else has mentioned. It's no skin off their nose so I don't know why they would refuse it, I would try again if I were you. Good luck! x

[PaperQueen in reply to PaperQueen]

Just remembered: I explained that I use a mobility scooter for getting around locally but needed the badge for when I went further afield in a car and needed to park as close as possible to my destination. I also said that I didn't go anywhere where there wasn't parking available close by, which is all true. Do you use any mobility aids? xx

[Carole03 in reply to PaperQueen]

Hi, I try to avoid going anywhere that requires me walking even short distances. Hence me appylying for a blue badge. I don't use any mobility aids.