fGCA and blue badge

[christine2715]

Has anyone been successful in getting a blue badge for parking. I have GCA and lots of flare-ups so often breathless and extremely weak in my legs. No other health problems except for the usual arthritic knees and foot.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Christine.Don't think GCA is recognised as being a disability per se. You may get a BB depending on how bad your arthritic knee is and how far you can walk- with or without a stick. It's the mobility factor that affects the decision. It's worth applying if you think your arthritis is bad enough. That is obviously not going to improve unless you have an op whereas GCA should not get any worse (allegedly)!

[ritter]

Hi Christina 2715 Yea I bought my own they are £10 or that was the price 3 years ago, I give my back as soon as I could walk again,I got my from my local council,. do not know if the the same applies 3 yrs on .good luck Anne

[ritter in reply to ritter]

Just been informed by my daughter that it is just the same she bought her badge and she has fybromialgia dont think you spell it like that, the main thing is you can still buy them I do not get any state money so you don not have to be registered disabled to get the badge,. Anne,

[suzy1959]

I managed to get a blue badge in May this year. I have PMR and arthritic knees. It may have been lucky that I was having a flare when I was assessed and she could see how much pain I was in!! Good luck with your application.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The only way to find out is to apply for one - every local authority is different and while there are some conditions that entitle you to one straight off, for other things you need to apply for an assessment and in some cases provide a doctor's statement - so their agreement is also a factor. Some simply won't play the game.

[piglette]

I think the main criteria is how far you can walk, so GCA may not tick all the boxes. I think the way you fill the form in is also important, don't overdo the problems so they sound unreal or under do them either! They cost ten pounds still and are valid for three years. Normally you can fill the form in on line and you may then be asked to come and be assessed although this does not always happen. If accepted you send off your ten pounds and a photo.

Scotland and Northern Ireland are slightly different and I believe can charge up to twenty pounds. Also some London Boroughs have special rules including the City of London.

[Nannie-C]

Have had one for 2 years, been a godsend. Could not go out if to shops if didn't have it

I've PMR, heart problems and old spinal fracture

Got it without an assessment and cost £20 here in Scotland

Anyone struggling with walking should push for it

[Ida-June128]

I had no trouble getting one but then I listed PMR, fybromyalgia, two broken femurs, spondyliosthesis and a disintegrating knee on the application. I have never heard of being able to purchase one...is that in the UK?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ida-June128]

Hi,

No you can't just buy a BB. You have to complete assessment form stating your mobility, or rather lack of it. In England the decision is made by the local county council, after consultation with GP, and if they agree you have to pay a fee, was £10, may be more, for a 3year period.

I would hazard a guess that your other problems, rather than PMR alone, proved you required one.

[rogerthegov]

I have one and make sure when you fill the form in on line you

enter all problems when walking because of your BAD ARTHRITIS!!

[S4ndy]

I got one and had to have a medical assessment but I can't walk far anyway as have bad knee arthritis, shoulder arthritis and Lumbar spondylosis in addition to PMR. Its not assessed on what condition you have but on how it affects your mobility. I found the process to be fair, filled form in online and then was assessed by an Occupational Therapist.

[Johndorwalker]

I have PMR had mitral valve repair get very breathless when walking applied for a blue badge filled in the form had a telephone assessment then had to go for another assessment got turned down told I could appeal at the decision did so another assessment then turned down again Not very impressed as someone I know goes dancing twice a week and got her badge just by filling in the form

[jevuki]

Hi Christine, Yes my doctor just got me one since my legs are at severe effect of PMR. I am in the USA