I think the title says it all.
Out of the people I have spoken to on PIP, I don’t think anyone has got it on their first try.
It will be my first attempt now and I am already expecting it to be refused.
Reason why it is a bugger to get PIP?
Because they don’t want you to have it.
Yes Matt, I seem to be one of the very few that had my claim accepted on my first attempt. Having supported a number of fellow applicants in appeals and tribunals I can only guess that I was successful as I had been seeing a neuro-psychologist who wrote a supporting letter, and I used the letter my consultant had written 2 years earlier to support my ill health retirement application.
My experience with others who have had their initial application rejected, is that the DWP seem to feel that historical brain injuries improve over time and just because a claimant was deemed to be impaired previously, Lazarus style miracles occur as standard after a few years.
I can only suggest asking for a cognitive assessment so that you have recent medical evidence to support your claim.
Good luck Matt
i did matt
I had help filling it out for my partner and that was a godsend and I was recommended what goldie11 has put on. The forms are ridiculous to fill out.
Yes Matt I know I am in a minority bur like you was ready to fight for pips.
Like others I had help with the Form
( CAB) as the Form was total nonsense to me. Along with the Form I sent reems of medical evidence and crossed my fingers.
No fight no medial. Having said that esa are bein at total nightmare. Had to cancel and ask for a home visit but because I couldn't attend may now have to reapply for esa also they have told me it may affect my pips ?
Good luck Matt.
Pax
Hi Matt, I was excepted first time but that was 2 years ago & I've just been sent a pip review form. It's a lot more simple than the pip application but still needed help
my partner just had his assessment and they increased the award to the highest rates(previously on a mixture of Middle rate care and lower rate mobility on DLA)! The woman was absolutely lovely and seemed to 'get it'. It's a huge relief to say the very least. Good supporting letters from a local brain injury charity helped a lot I think
Many people who received low mobility under DLA may well receive the highest rate in their PIP award. This seems to have been an oversight when the legislation was passed.
I don't know how it was missed as it stood out like a sore thumb.
Hi Matt
Have you sent in your application for yet? If not - there’s some very helpful information on the web about how to apply for PIP. I think it’s worth getting help with the form therfore, just so that you remember to include everything you need to tell them.
It seems unfair to me that people who are better at writing forms or people who get someone to fill the form in for them may have more success, but that’s how it seems to be.
Also send them everything you have from consultants about all your conditions- they like medical evidence. If you don’t have this to hand - do and see your GP and ask for a supporting letter that explains your daily needs,
Good luck
Hi Elanor,
Thanks for that.
We haven’t filled in the forms just yet.
I have ataxia due to my injury. Difficulty writing so my mumwill be my scribe. I have been told about using the right terminology as well. For me, I just find it difficult to write and did not really know the word ‘ataxia’ until looking at the Headway website. Also I have seen people use that term on here before and I would be left thinking “What is ataxia?... is that something to do with a taxi” :).
I have found out a few term names over the years that have come from my injury. Hydrocephalus, spasticity, aphasia.
I have a shunt and in the past it has blocked/malfunctioned and could happen at any given time. One word I was told to use was ‘episodical’.
And we shall add copies of what my doctors notes and so on for added back up of my disability.
Another thing I shall add is can you get PIP if you didn't have/need a lot of care?
My parents are acting carers and will assist when I need it the most, mainly when I am walking. But for things like washing/ bathing I don't need care. I need aids but not care.
But this does not necessarily mean aids do not do or offer care?
Our bathroom doesn't have hand rails and I don't feel I really need them. I usually hold onto the shower or put my hand on something to lean on while standing/turning in the shower.
I usually kneel in the shower as it is a lot easier and when I do move while standing, I take it slow. I don't move quickly like an able bodied person would.
Plus also when it comes to some letters, especially DWP letters. I mostly rip open the envelope, scan the letter myself and then pass it on to my mum to clear it up for me.
I am a simple kind of person and I like things done simply. The DWP DO NOT do things or word things simply.
Anyhow, getting a carer or loved one to clear up what a letter is saying is care as well. I don't care if the DWP do not class that as care and I'm sorry to burst your bubble but IT IS care... got it.
With DLA, I got high rate mobility and middle rate care. A friend of mine thought I should have got high care really and thinking about it, I think I should have got high rate care as well.
PIP is a point based benefit and points can be awarded where:
aids or adaptions are required
do you require care (not whether you receive it) and/or supervision
how long it takes you compared to a 'normal' person (beyond twice)
Safety is a consideration as well.
After that I can't really answer your question.
You are correct in that it can help but as reports are done for a different purpose connecting the dots is not simple.
When I had a working relationship and received referrals from neuro-rehab I liaised with Neuropsychologists who would write reports for DLA however the Tribunal Judge & GP didn't understand the first 2, so the Neuropsychologist attended the following tribunal.
Later after discussions, with the rehab team the reports were put in lay terms and for ESA directed to the activities which attract the points and this does help.
If you're receiving help from a agency they may write seeking a medical report, which directly addresses your symptoms and how they relate to PIP points.
I wouldn't expect a Neuropsychologist to know about ESA or PIP activities, although someone may be lucky
I’m sure you’ll be fine . I’m sending you a message 
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