FAO Gordon

Hi Gordon,

An update!

Following your advice I contacted DWP on Fri 13/1/17 to confirm that we had just received the 'supporting evidence' from the GP and it would be with them by Mon 16/1/17 (sent Special Delivery) following the MR request (MR sent on 22/12/16 and with DWP on 23/12/16). The advisor checked my Dad's file and mentioned that a case hadn't been opened (??) so opened one detailing that supporting evidence was being sent that day and with them on 16/1/17. As a case hadn't been opened the advisor explained that the MR request letter had only been scanned on the system and not yet looked at. Not sure if that was significant or not??

You may recall with your kind support and guidance that we decided to focus on two areas in the MR letter (medication part re to my Dad's eczema and taking nutrition). The latter was a 'back up'. Based on the severity of the eczema, Dad's physical limitations, impact physically and mentally if the cream wasn't applied twice a day, time required etc there was sufficient information to hopefully score 6 points to bring the daily care from the current 9 points to over 12 points moving from standard to enhanced. The MR request letter was sent on 22/12 the same day that my Dad was seen with me, to conduct a physical examination etc before completing a letter. We didn't receive the letter from the GP until 13/1 so wasn't aware of the content until after the MR request was sent. The GP confirmed that the eczema was severe, necessity for cream to be applied twice a day and Dad's reliance on my mum having to do so and why. In the letter the GP confirmed the impact on my Dad both physically and mentally too if it isn't done.

The MR letter focused on Managing Treatments (as described above), Taking Nutrition and flagging up supporting evidence that was submitted by the GP (notes on Patient Summary Record over past 3 years that indicated 10 visits relating to memory loss and related symptoms) but not listed on the evidence submitted on from of the assessors report which may have had a bearing on descriptors where this was significant. The impact of Dad's depression, anxiety and memory loss were flagged up in the GP letter that was sent on 13/1 too.

We received the MR notice almost 2 weeks ago (I've been severely bit by a viral infection hence the delay in providing an update on here).

Managing treatments went from 0 to 1 point, taking nutrition remained at 0 points and descriptors whose emphasis relied on the MSE remained unchanged!

However, Preparing food was increased from 2 to 8, Washing and bathing from 3 to 8, Managing toilet needs from 2 to 4, Dressing and undressing from 2 to 8. The total points for daily care increased from 9 to 29 points following MR. Dad now has been enhanced for both components (12 points for Moving around which remained unchanged).

I had hoped that in light of the detailed GP letter (the GP chose to highlight the medical conditions and the impact on day to day living in terms of care and mobility for each) that was sent on 13/1 (2.5 sides of A4) that the length of the award would be increased too but it hasn't.

At the time of completing the MR (after reading the guides and information on the forum) we knew that if the length of award was to be challenged then it wouldn't happen at MR stage.

The stress of this whole process (which so many members of the forum can relate to) has been overwhelming for my Dad. It's been heartbreaking to witness the severity of the impact.

As you know, we'd struggled to get the GP to write a supporting letter during the DLA to PIP process and chances of him writing this one was looking bleak. Thankfully with your guidance at varying stages of this process we've got there! Not in the way that we expected (via managing treatments)!! Despite Dad having a degenerative condition (diagnosed in 1997) and that being confirmed by the GP in the supporting letter sent (and the subsequent impact that will always have on his depression), we'll have to revisit this in 2 years time!

Thank you Gordon and to everyone at B&W for your time and support. You are an invaluable lifeline - you have been to us and are to so many.

I hope in some way this entry will help others in the MR journey.

Many thanks and very best wishes,
Wendy

Thanks for the update Wendy. Well done for persevering with this until your father received the award he deserves

Thank you so much for your lovely words Gordon and Mrs Hurtyback ... they really mean a great deal.