advice: I have had a copy(s) of the brochure from... - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

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peterallison profile image
15 Replies

I have had a copy(s) of the brochure from Ataxia UK, and submitted them to the DWP and the court, for my tribunal. They have returned it to me, having read it (I presume), and I noticed it said specifically, and I quote... " The appellant has submitted a folder from Ataxia UK. This contains generic information which is not specific to the appellant"

Does this what everyone who goes down this route gets, or similar wording. It goes onto say there will be a medical member who is familiar with the condition to advise the tribunal members about the condition and its effects. I am just a tad worried, as to HOW he might know about the specific gene SPG7, as am not sure if even GP's and consultants are

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peterallison profile image
peterallison
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15 Replies
pinjem profile image
pinjem

I hope it goes well. I think you should feel reassured that someone who knows about ataxia will be available. You can only have documentation specific to you submitted or used though though who knows, perhaps the medical member who is familiar with ataxia may have been the result of the pamphlet? I think probably not, it seems some of the campaigning done by organisations about the ridiculous 'blanket' assessments and the injustices is having some effect. Good luck and may you get the correct result!- May be worth asking, if the information is not volunteered, what the person's 'familiarity' with ataxia is and what depth of knowledge they have and gently point out we are often complex unpredictable cases?

Mermaidia11 profile image
Mermaidia11 in reply topinjem

It’s ridiculous- CA is incurable and degenerative which ever way you look at it, but I fear a pamphlet will not be enough. A supportive letter from your doctor backing up your diagnosis and confirming that it is incurable and degenerative will help a lot

And how u came to have leaflet ie dr made diagnosis and signposted you to ataxia organisation ?

The pamphlet should be the icing on the cake, and the actual cake should be copies of diagnosis and evidence ...

Don’t get mad, get even and box clever

it’s a dreadful illness made worse by stress - shame on them

Good luck x

peterallison profile image
peterallison in reply toMermaidia11

thank you. The ONLY medical letters that I have, is the one I received from Prof H, at Sheffield, and they already have a copy, as it was part of the initial bundle of evidence submitted when I had my UC assessment, (and my 2 PIP assessments)

benning profile image
benning

You have to presume the doc knows what he/she is on about but if you don't agree OBJECT!!DON'T BE SCARED TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF..

good luck.

cocoa profile image
cocoa

Is there any chance you could get Citizen's Advice to help you?

When I went for a tribunal for DLA somebody came along and represented me and answered most of the questions.

There was a doctor there but he was very good and I actually felt that he was on my side.

My husband came along too but did not have to say anything but was there for my reassurance.

Good luck with everything.

peterallison profile image
peterallison in reply tococoa

I WAS going to take my father, but as he is really ill and may die soon, I am taking my partner as moral support, I presume she will be able to speak on my behalf, if I get a bit bogged down?, she is not legally minded, so could/would not put her down on the form as that

cocoa profile image
cocoa

Do you have an appointment date?

I do not know about the current rules... my tribunal was a few years ago, but if you have time I would urge you to contact Citizens' Advice. They are used to dealing with such cases and my representative was brilliant.

So sorry to hear about your father.

peterallison profile image
peterallison in reply tococoa

I have not got a date as of today. I thought you had to respond with a legal type of rep, at the time of applying for the tribunal, I thought it might be too late now

Legs-alive profile image
Legs-alive

They do not read any leaflet/booklets sent through to them so they won’t have even glanced at the one you sent them hence why it’s being returned to you & they will not expect your partner to answer any questions they put to you. It is up to YOU to supply the information that want & ask for.

You could get in touch with Prof H secretary & ask for a letter off him & also speak to the ataxia nurse at Sheffield about getting a letter of them as well as any other qualified medical specialists you see including your GP.

peterallison profile image
peterallison

I have tried, but had no response in the way of an acknowledgement of receipt, same with my GP's surgery. And have asked them both twice..... not good am sorry to say (I a a great believer in acknowledgement in reply to an e mail)

Legs-alive profile image
Legs-alive in reply topeterallison

I would advise ringing them all rather than email. You will most probably have to leave a message on the answer machine with the ataxia nurses at Sheffield but just give a brief description of why you want to speak them & they will definitely ring you back as soon as they possibly can. You should be able to speak to prof H secretary & your GP reception, just explain about a letter you need from them & they will sort it out for you tho you may have to pay for the one from your GP but It could be different where you live. But I’d definitely ring them.

peterallison profile image
peterallison in reply toLegs-alive

I have just in the last few minutes had replies from my GP's secretary and Prof H's.... so its all in hand

rankin1st profile image
rankin1st

Peter the appellant is you and it sounds like the DWP is stating as part of their arguement to the court representative that 'in their opinion your evidence doesn't have weight as it's general' however it sounds like they are just making their case. However the courts have to consider your evidence as far as I understand and you can say why you feel it's applicable at the tribunal. Having just gone through an appeal with my husband the courts were very good so hopefully it will all go well for you.

rankin1st profile image
rankin1st

Get in touch with citizens advice and get an advocate to go with you as they will have legal understanding and can help you through the process

peterallison profile image
peterallison

I thought about getting in touch with CAB, but have quite a few things on as far as the tribunal goes. I WAS going to take my dad, not as a legal rep, but as support, and the ability to explain, but in the last 3 weeks, he has been hospitalised and is now (as of sat just gone) in an "end of life" situation, plus I am moving to another county, so have that going on as well. I am taking my partner, who has a good understanding of the actual difficulties I face each day, and what MAY happen in the future months ahead, plus she takes no crap from anyone if she has too :-)

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