sanwyp
benefit advice officer, Three Rivers Housing Association, Co Durham
Member since
26th Sep 2007
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DLA award linked to ESA medical report
Tue 27-Oct-09 08:50 PM |
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Much discussion around links between DLA & ESA assessments, my example is a shocking one. Young girl had tumour removed from spine and whilst recovering from op had her first medical. EMO had repeatedly asked her to bend despite being advised she could not undertake this activity. Placed in the 'work activity group' and before she could attend 2nd assessment, consultant advised tumour was a rare form of cancer and further extensive surgery had to be carried out immediately. Mother telephoned ATOS to advise daughter would be unable to attend, was told she would have to! In end they agreed to sent out form. DLA claim done post op as it was clear a long recovery will be required with high care needs. What happened.....ESA stopped (they advised because a claim for DLA made) after many telephone calls (from hospital bed), agreed claim to be reinstated. Now home, sleeping downstairs, commode close by, mother on sick leave to care for her, limited movement, loss of feeling in foot, course of radiotherapy pending (possibly abroad). Letter from DLA advises low rate care awarded for cooking test, one year, found to be able to walk 200metres at slow pace and not enough care needs for any other component....all due to the EMO report carried out for her ESA!! Do they really read the claim forms or base the decision on these medicals which fail to support those who are most certainly not in a position to be participating in work related activities. As DLA has been awarded for one year would appear that the forward test was satisfied and the only stumbling block was the ESA medical report. Review requested and consultant more than willing to give his views should it proceed to appeal.
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