I have a client that is going to appeal tomorrow and having problems with getting CM to back up the client. He is suffering from Dupuytren's contracture client states that it is like repetivie strain. His R hand is closed like a fist. This did affect his L but he had operation for this and now has full use of his L hand. He is on the waiting list for help with his R. The client did get IB in the past but was cut off because of the medical. The client has only ticked problems with his hand and the only one I can get 15 points is using a pen and pencil but according to CM if the client has use of his L he will not get points for this. Can anyone help?

Thu 21-Apr-05 03:19 PM by ken

The following is taken from the disability alliance's online PCA case law summaries regarding R(IB)1/98 -

'The test is whether a person can write reasonably clearly and at reasonable speed, not just ticking forms and signing their name. If a person is right-handed (for example) and has lost the use of that hand for writing, they will score 15 points, unless they have developed a compensating skill with their left hand to a reasonable standard. A person who is ambidextrous will not satisfy the test so long as they have sufficient use of one hand.'

Don't know if this will be of help but if you look in Bonner (non means tested benefits) 2004 page 761, there's a good bit of commentary on this point. CSIB/17/96.