ATOS Medical next Friday 3rd May.

[Debs2811]

I applied for DLA at the end of January due to my RA getting considerably worse along with my other conditions (Pernicious anemia, Endometriosis, Hypothyroidism, Asthma, etc) I know they have contacted my Rheumatologist and my GP and physiotherapist as they have told me. This is my 2nd application for DLA as i was turned down within a few weeks the first time last year. My question is I haven't heard of medicals being carried out to assess suitability for DLA, has anyone had this and what is expected? If they have contacted my medical professionals why do they also need a medical by ATOS or dont they believe my doctors? Any info would be appreciated.

[michywishy]

Hi unfortunately the system is changing and looks like you are targeted to be assessed by ATOS some applicants for DLA are going to need a medical assesment by ATOS I had one last year for ESA I didnt pass the medical, but having appealed against the decision I did win the appeal for continuing ESA Although the medical examiner was very nice I didnt score enough points not sure for the DLA but its probably on the same structure its what you can do and not what you cant do ? try and go with someone and make sure your condition is at its "worse" which is probably not too difficult by looking at what you suffer with this is a fairly long process so be patient and APPEAL against the decision if you dont get awarded DLA..... GOOD LUCK

[binlid]

hi debs yes i got turned down in oct but i asked them to reconsider so they wrote to everyone again even though i had sent all specialist letters they still were saying no i again asked them to reconsider at that point in january this year they sent an atos doc to asses me at home.BEWARE my carer paid a visit whilst she was here and made us coffee then left, they assed me crawling upstairs taking of shoes and socks but they pulled one off (impatiant) that was. i live in maisonette above shops and have 15 steps to manover to get out wasnt interested in that walked about downstairs . told her and showed her from window where i can walk to about 20yards once steps done.asked all the usual stuff that was on your form ,hope you kept a copy. i explained flares etc.any way the outcome was they allowed lower rate care and backdated it to oct, however i asked for a copy of her report and what a load of crap it was like she was writing about some one else, she said i could walk 200 meters before stopping , i wish.i think i only got carers because she came in, wish she had stayed now, the whole thing took an hour and a half as she left she said if i dont get it reapply next year so mind was made up before she left, FUMING NOT HER DECISION TO MAKE.im not sure how long before i can reapply will check.my advice is have someone with you .she said the reason i dont go out much my confidence has gone OF COURSE IT HAS. and the pain . i dont want to disharten you hun, she even wrote what hand i picked my coffee up with,and said my discriptoin of flares were not true, wish she had been here this week 3 days practically in bed. good luck dont worry just be confident and give your worst case sinario let us know how you got on xxxxxxxxxxx

[earthwitch]

Get advice from CAB. They can tell you what is meant to happen and what your rights are.

[Vonnie55]

Yes you definately need some advise soon.

A fantastic website benefitsandwork.co.uk have a look. They have very valuable information on DLA/PIP and what to expect at these medicals.

You can sign up for free emails from them and if you wish, you can gain access to the guidlines on DLA/PIP, the do's and don'ts. You have to pay a membership for this, around £19, they usually have a reduced rate advertised of a fiver.

I payed the fee earlier this year when my incapacity benefit was transferred to ESA and i am glad i did, worth every penny.

Make sure you read the new info regarding the 20mtr rule, the distance you can walk before you have to stop.

Do not underestimate ATOS, their aim is to turn down as many applications as they can. The government have paid ATOS and CAPITA billions to get people off these benefits.

Hope this helps, at least you will be forewarned!

Let us know how you get on.

Vonnie x

[Neonkitty]

Hi I was wrongly and farcically assessed by Atos last year and this resulted in me being put in a job seekers club despite not being able to walk without sticks for more than a few yards without stopping, stand, sit , function!! Crazy. Also this was despite a consultant's letter. Had to appeal and phone them and get quite heavy with them and two more letters from doc and Consultant. I hope you have it more plain sailing. Don't push yourself to do any movement or exercise they ask as although you could maybe do it at a push and it would hurt like mad, they will think you are fine. Don't let them manoeuvre your joints as they are not doctors. Be strong and say no if in any doubt. Try take someone with you too, partner etc. I couldn't that day and although I went in a taxi and they did pay for it, I think travelling independently went against me. Binlid is right. I identify a lot with all of that. I wasn't given the report despite asking and writing three times. I do know from the job centre Atos wrote ...... has arthritis and a little bit of stiffness on a morning. The guy there told me as he was flabbergasted they had sent me to job seekers!!!!!! Yes ......... Well ....... (Can't tell you what I wanted to do. Involved my stick and her neck.) I successfully appealed. So don't be worried if you have to do that. Just do it ASAP if you need to.

They ask you all sorts of things like ... Do you email your friends all the time on an iPad? Meaning if you said yes then you can use a keyboard. All manner of things they must have thought I was crazy not to know where they were going. Then .... Do you read? What sort of things? I read a lot of strange philosophy and science when I told her she just looked blank! It was naughty but I had a bit of fun with her there!!!! Think she expected me to say I read HELLO!!! (actually I do at the hairdressers as well as Vogue!!!! ;-)).

Debs, be prepared. That is all we are trying to say. Not scare you in any way. They try get your trust. People who are positive and see the glass half full are often taken as feeling much better than they are if that makes sense. My GP was angry and it was quite apparent that Atos and GPs don't see eye to eye! Just be aware and don't let them lead you into giving an answer if it isn't right, as they have boxes to tick ... Yes or No boxes, and no often or sometimes. Do try take someone with you.

Hope this has been helpful as it isn't meant to put you off. I echo Binlid's sentiments.

Anyhow good luck and take care,

Julie x

[Debs2811]

Thank you for your info, I will see what help I can get from CAB and the Benefits and work website which youve given me, I will certainly let you know how i get on.

[Riedenise]

Hi, I agree with what has been said on here, My OH had been turned down for DLA 3 times we didn't appeal, on the 4th attempt his advisor at the job centre said she would help fill our appeal in if we got turned down again, which yes he did... My OH had broken his back twice in RTA's caused by other people, he has metal plates, he walks with a stick is in constant pain, can only walk a limited way due to severe pain, has permanent pins and needles & I could go on. Anyway she filled in our appeal, my Oh had a medical by Atos, we were in there hour & half, he tried to get him to do all sorts that he couldn't do, he asked him to sit, stand, get on the bed I cant recall how many times, anyway the report he sent to DLA was as if he had seen a different person to my OH. so again it was turned down as he could go to work, we contacted the CAB who put us in touch with Oxford Welfare Rights who were brilliant, they couldnt believe the way we had been treated. We went to a tribunal and got DLA awarded unamiously indefinitely. What Ox Wel Rights told us was that most people are turned down, you must appeal, and You must get help filling in the forms, that's for ESA/DLA. Not that I want to put anyone off, just get advice, look on the benefits website spoken about on here.

Good luck to you all.... Rie x