Worried about PIP assessment.

[Bgpgrand]

Finally I am having someone come and assess me for my PIP claim, I have heard so many stories of people not getting it for silly reasons, these people really deserve to be on it. What worries me more is not many professionals know anything about FND how can they really assess me properly?

[1fnd Partner FND Hope Volunteer]

The most common advice I hear for PIP is answer every question as if it was your worse day. I suggest asking if they are familiar with FND you may be surprised and if they are not perhaps they would look at the website or may be helpful for you to download the FND patient brochure on the fndhope.org website under FND Kit. The National Institute of Health is handing it out to patients here in America.

[jenny3010]

Hi

I have just been through the whole process through to tribunial and I don't want to put you off or worry you but it has been an ordeal. I have FND( since 2015), CFS (since 2015), anxiety and depression( latter long term) and some other minor ailments so applied for PIP in March filled in the form gave all medical evidence and went to the assessment and like you have been advised tried to answer all the questions in detail even bringing a summary to use at the assessment due to bad brain fog ( that was a mistake because the assessor said I could answer all questions so I had no problems with memory ect...). I got awarded lower mobility but nothing else and only got points for the daily living where I had equipment (6 in total) so I asked for a reconsideration. I tried to get more info and after reading the assessors report noticed many errors and omissions so I also wrote a letter pointing out this to the DWP.

The DWP contacted me and said the problems with the report was not there problem even though that is what the mostly use to make there decision and to write to Capita ( the assessor), I did and Capita said sorry but there is nothing they can do about it.

Reconsideration was turned down within 2 days I don't even think they read the extra info so I had to apply to go to tribunal.

I got help writing the appeal from the CAB but they don't represent anymore, had my tribunal 30/10/15 I can say it was very traumatic being interigated for 1 1/2 hours by so called un bias people they didn't take my mental health issues or many of the non physical issues relating to my FND and CFS but did get the lower daily living allowance for the next 3 years.

I plan to recover but if not my advice and what I plan to do next time are -

Record the assessment you must give a copy to the assessor on the day this means no made up assessment for the DWP.

Give as much medical evidence as possible I will save and have a private assessment done first if the time comes.

The DWP do not want to give you anything and assume you are lying unless proven other wise prepare for a battle so go to the CAB for advice.

The DWP will only accept medical evidence that not over 1-2 years you will need up to date info.

Do not go alone even into the room.

I do not know how your FND affects you but having physical symptoms helped a great deal for me.

You are correct about the lack of knowledge these people have about the condition they do not by law have to know anything they just have to be on a medical register for 2 yrs prior ie phsio, nurse or paramedic apparently they get the proper training about completing to form in 2 weeks.

Getting the assessment sorted and correct will be a big help to your claim.

[hjane in reply to jenny3010]

Hi , just saw your post re assessment for pip . Just going through the same ordeal myself . Did you have to formally ask to record the interview at appeal ...how long beforehand ? And who would be able to offer an independent assessment ? Cab couldn't help at all just gave me dla phone number ...lady I spoke to there said cab are out of date with their info ...