I have had my application for a Blue Badge declined without being seen and asked my GP to help, she said she didn't like to do supporting letters and let's see where we are in 6 months time and to wait until after I have been to London Ataxia centre, referred in May.
Yes, I can walk 50 metres with a stick and my husband's arm, I do not have the confidence to go out on my own now as have been unable to get in car if someone parks too close next to me. Have driven around a car park at local shops and given up and driven straight out as no suitable space that i can be sure of getting back in the car after.
Is it worth trying to appeal without GP support, and what can I say in it, I do not see my Neurologist until April 2020.
Thanks
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Pussycat1
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Although GP evidence is desirable it is not essential. Do you see anybody else who would be able to write a support letter, for example a physic or OT. Again this is not essential. If you do decide to appeal write in words of two syllables what you have described above, how your disability affects YOU and why YOU would benefit from a blue badge. You may find the following link helpful-
Hello Pussycat1, Itoo had my first application refused. I had a lady who came to assess me at home.. She was in a bad mood because she had difficulty in finding my house. I made the big mistake in telling her about me on the best possible day. When asked how far I could walk I told him that with my rollator I could go about 800yds. I didn't say that I had to sit and rest every two minutes. I would re-apply and don't say how well you can do on a good day , say how hard it is on a bad day. I also had advice on line but can't remember where I found it. Good Luck . Chris
Many thanks, I did apply on line and ran out of space in box so didn't include too much. Also described walking hanging onto my husband's arm, not independently. We learn from our mistakes!!
I have a Blue Badge..... telephone your county council Blue Badge office, not your local council, ask them to send you a paper application form, you dont do computers if they ask...... if you feel you need a Blue Badge, then you have to describe how you feel on a really bad day, exagerate as well..... you stop more often to rest every few minutes, you just manage to get to car with hubbys help, you have to stop a couple of times going upstairs etc.... telephone your local Social Services, ask to speak to a Orthopedic Nurse, ask her to visit you and tell her why..... when she comes out to assess you, exagerate how physically impaired you are, stop to rest more often with heavy breathing...... ask her for a written letter that you can send in with your appeal, do it now, you only get so long to appeal..... but remember.... stay off of the Blue Badge website.
i live in a council house, they changed my bathroom around, the local council laid a ramp from my front gate(for my wheelchair) and they lowered the curb outside my house, all with the help of Social Services!
Ataxia is not a 'one size fits all' problem. I can walk for miles, only if it is flat, clear with no one except my spouse. Put me in a street and I'd fall over uncontrollably in no time at all. You need to stress the dangers, which are probably very real, I HAVE to be escorted at all times and in a wheelchair anywhere except deserted very familiar rural places or I fall. It sounds a bit as though this might be the case with you? If it is, stress it. I can walk, I cannot walk safely when there is any more than minimal input, I could easily, (and have done) fall after one step, I hang off my husband's arm sometimes too, but only in 'safe' places. Rather tired of the narrow tick box criteria that discourage independence, encourage exaggeration and giving in.
I got my Blue badge after county office were goaded with a sharp stick. They will not talk to your GP as GP will always support you. Find out why they did not issue Blue badge, could be something as simple as expired card.
I’d you’re in receipt of pip or DVD’s then this will cover ad supporting evidence if not then I suggest seeing a different gp with more compassion! Also if you’ve already seen a neurologist in the past about your ataxia then ring his secretary & ask her to do you a cover letter.
Unfortunately it’s coming to the point where the majority of ppl are having to exaggerate their ataxia or put their worst possible day down as being like that every day, just to be heard. Don’t give up & jeep on applying no matter how long it takes-you WILL get there eventually! Good luck
Yes! You should appeal the number for the appeal will be contaibed in the documents of refusal. It sounds to me that you did not provide good and proper information in your application. Names, Dates, all the details you can provide, answer the questions fully.
Keep a record of documents sent. It will be easier and better to ger a family member to help you, If this is difficult phone the help/ appeals service who are very helpful.
I hope this is helpful and good luck with your perseverance!
Hi Pussycat. Yes, you should appeal. I've had 3 Blue Badges from two different areas, and haven't involved my GP once. I complete the questionnaire based on what I can do unaided, without a walking stick or my spouse. I'm afraid I don't know what the appeal process involves, so I can't help there.
So my appeal has been turned down as I can walk (regardless of needing to hang onto someone's arm) but I can complain if I feel I have been treated unfairly. Also saw a different GP at my practice who said you definately need one and if declined on appeal, to see her again and she will do a supporting letter. Will try again with her support - watch this space!
I reapplied for a blue badge just before Christmas 2019, then told there was a 16 week wait. As time limit drew near Covid 19 hit all of the land and forgot about it as no opportunity to use it anyway. Then last week got an email to say it had been approved.
Hi oh dear i m waiting for my handicap card ..i can drive ans park but then i cant even stand to put my number plat number in thé machine ..so i m hoping with the badge ( you dont have to tap in thé machines ) and i could be nearer to my dentist appoint for example
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