ESA

[gypsy49]

Anyone on here got ESA (UK only) for RLS or anything connecting to RLS ?

[Joolsg]

Good question Gypsy. I think it would be very difficult as the test for benefits is now extremely difficult and relates to movement/ability to dress etc. It doesn't seem to pay any attention to lack of sleep/pain making it difficult or impossible to work. I really think RLS should be classed as a disability.

jools

[Hidden in reply to Joolsg]

RLS is a bigger disability than diabetes in my opinion. It can be controlled better than RLS can and leave the person with a reasonable quality of life. My RLS has never been fully controlled and has and does prevent me from living a normal life. Unfortunately as they cannot point to some medical marker and say "Yeah that proves RLS" they will do their best to prevent it being classed a disability and shirk their role as carers as it will cost more money.

At the end of the day our suffering means nothing to the people in power - we are only another drain on their profits!

Good luck on the ESA, remember that RLS can cause insomnia and the associated conditions of anxiety and depression both of which can be classed as a disability:

A mental health condition is considered a disability if it has a long-term effect on your normal day-to-day activity. This is defined under the Equality Act 2010. Your condition is 'long term' if it lasts, or is likely to last, 12 months

gov.uk/when-mental-health-c...

I'd imagine those two would help with the ESA, especially since the RLS will likely be life time - so will those two conditions.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[gypsy49]

Joolsg and raffs I got ESA last time for mental health after sending in MR (mandatory reconsideration ) when I sent sleep diary in wonder if cos I did that it helped to get ESA and was placed in support group but as you said they keep changing the rules not sure where i'd stand now :o( my sleep is all over the place ggrrr nearly 6am now not been sleep yet im worried in case they decide im fit for work when im not sleeping . yeah can cause depression too , im still waiting to hear from DWP sent form in about May time dreading it to be honest .

RLS should be considered a disability agree there but sadly the chances of being assessed by someone that even knows what RLS is pretty slim ggrrr i'm also hearing impaired and suffer with fibro and trigeminal neuralgia thankfully that's controlled with the gabapentin doesn't help with the RLS though lol . wish more was known about RLS or rather the dr's nurses that carry out the assessments knew still think it should be known as RMS (restless muscle syndrome) . thank for yor help both of you xx