I have moderate COPD and have been told by a friend that I can get a blue badge - anyone know if this is right?

[Puddin]

[tanyamarie]

No idea but what maybe moderate for one person could be mild or severe for another. Depends on your own abilities. My dad got his through going to Pulmonary Rehab. His GP gave feedback that he didn't need the badge even though he is end stage. Mad innit?!

[Hidden]

The stage does not really matter - it is how far you can walk. However, for most people with 'moderate' COPD this will mean no badge.

[Gordon57]

The application procedures, and costs, changed in April this year but it seems it is still down to the individual councils to make their own rules about who qualifies and why.

Anyone with the higher rate mobility level of DLA or is registered blind gets the badge straight away. Otherwise you have to make an application and see what your council say next.

In my case I had to have an assessment that took almost an hour, basically talking to an occupational therapist employed by the council. He asked questions, I gave answers. He took into account the speed at which I walked up the corridor from the reception area, how short of breath I was after that 30 metres, how long it took to get my breathing back to 'normal' (whatever that is) and the answers to lots of questions.

After the interview he said he would check the application form and match his findings against my claims. I was accepted. I walk slowly these days, if I need to stop to get my breath back then I stop, I have a folding stick I take with me for if I feel I need it. I have had a bus pass on disability grounds for 3 years already.

There is no automatic issue of a blue badge for COPD, at any stage. All you can do is apply and see what happens. The diary of my own application is at blf.healthunlocked.com/blog...

Here's the info about applying: direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpe...

You can apply (England/Wales) at: direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPe...

[Hidden]

Well, I would certainly apply. My husband has moved up to the moderate/severe but was given the Blue Badge under the new scheme very easily. I would have to say the assessment was fair and a true reflection. I would advise to apply. Good luck TAD xx

[brujapatsy]

morning all

I am an ex pat and have lived in murcia in southern spain for 15 years.

I was diagnosed enphysema in september 2008

I have arthritis in foot ,knee , spine and waiting a knee transplant

in 2010 i had an ablation on heart because of tachicardia

in march2009 i had mini stroke

this week i was x rayed and told i have 2 slipped discs and had injections of muscle relaxant

mon,tue,wed,and today

sooooooo !

i have started the seemingly long process of applying for invalid status so I can get blue badge !

doctor told me to get a form at the chemist

chemist told me to go to town hall for it

town hall sent me to local police station , where i was told i need to go 0n a 45 min drive to cartagena to get the form along with a form from chemist that i take to docs for him to fill in !

im worn out and still havent got THE FORM !

gotta laugh

went back to doc today and he has written out a list of my illnesses and the affect on my mobility ,sign and stamped ,but said it would be better if i had got the correct form from the chemist !

asked again at chemist and she said Oh that form , no we havent got any but i will order one and it will take a week

I will let you know how the saga goes if any one is still awake lol

[Hecter]

My process was relatively easy.I got a form from Disability Awareness center where I live.I filled it in and took it with photos to the town Hall.I then went for a medical with a doctor in the Health Centre in town.He asked a few questions listened to my chest and after about 30 mins he said you qualify - the Blue Badge will be in the post.I am now on the higher level of DLA for mobility but I wasnt then.Keep going and I hope that you are successful.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I filled in the form online. Said I had Stage 3 COPD. Sent it off with the documents they needed and they sent a Blue Badge back a couple of weeks later. No assessment or other contact with me.

I'm afraid it seems like a postcode lottery. Good luck.

[Elephantstraw in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

How right you are!

[tanyamarie]

Ah you made me smile reading what you wrote. If you dont laugh you will cry as the saying goes. Good luck in your quest!

[ashmere4]

I have just renewed my blue badge without any problem at all, yes you have to fill in an information doc with a load of questions but it should be ok,good luck

[ashmere4 in reply to ashmere4]

I should have said that my copd is at stage 2 also a lot of info can be had at enphysema site on the net.