Is b12 deficiency and on injections classed as a disability in the uk

[Jenny9]

Hi I'm just wanting to ask do any of yous no is b12 deficiency classed as a disability? Thank you

[JanD236]

I’m not aware that B12d of itself is classed as a disability. How people are affected is very wide ranging from mild symptoms which are kept under control by injections to more profound symptoms so it would be difficult.

I think that you’d probably have to argue a case based on your individual symptoms.

[Jenny9 in reply to JanD236]

Thank you I've had it now for 10 years I also have an iron deficiency aswell an I suffer to from alot of mussel pains an head aches an still exterm tiredness aswell at times. I was wanting to ask to does anyone get like they feel like there in a fog at times its hard to explain?

[JanD236 in reply to Jenny9]

Yes I certainly had headaches caused by tiredness/exhaustion and also brain fog and losing words when I didn’t have injections frequently enough.

I now self inject to supplement injections I receive via my GP and for the most part my symptoms are minimised to the extent that they’re almost gone.

It might be worth having your iron tested and also think about whether or not your injection frequency is sufficient.

[Jenny9 in reply to JanD236]

Thank you I will phone again I had asked before about it my injections r every 3 months now an its hard going that last month before I get my injection again.

[JanD236 in reply to Jenny9]

Guidelines were changed a while ago to say that injections should be given every 2 or 3 months so you should make a case to your doctor for increasing your injection frequency.

[Hidden]

Potentially yes if you mean within the work context. Disability at work is defined in Equality Legislation and broadly you are defined as disabled if your condition has a substantial and long term effect to carry out daily activities. Examples of those activities are then outlined . In terms of disability more generally I’m afraid I cannot comment but I suspect something similar would apply.

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

The legislation around discrimination in the UK - which defines disability in terms of the effect of a long term condition on the ability to carry out everyday tasks - applies to all aspects of life in the UK - not just to the workplace.

However, proving a disability, if you are wanting to claim benefits can be a very difficult process and it is very easy to get caught up in the vagaries of bureaucracy - particularly as the assessment system seems to be more focused on stopping people claiming than enabling people to live.

[Hidden in reply to Gambit62]

I am sure that’s true with regards to benefits. In relation to work however the position should be easier to prove assuming you have a sympathetic employer. I only know about the work context as that’s my personal experience.