Another ESA medical - last one was 31st Oct 2016

Hi Folks,

Less than two months after my last ESA medical, I have been called back for another!

I am long term sick, about five years now. I am fed using Total Parental Nutrition - which is via a tube in my chest straight into the main vein, administered over 12-14 hours per day. I cannot eat without severe vomiting and nausea. I meet the descriptors, and there is also provision in legislation for such treatment/conditions. Earlier in the year, following my first application, I had a home visit for my PIP entitlement, as per the guidelines for PIP, and I get the higher rate daily living allowance.

I was called in for an ESA medical last October 31st 2016. I went to the medical, and the nurse doing the examination took me to the room, read my file, and apologised for having been brought in. She said it was ragingly obvious I shouldn't have even been called in. She went and cleared it with the Doctor, and I was sent on my merry way. She was very apologetic and literally forced me to fill in the expenses form even though it was for about a fivers worth of petrol! I later received confirmation that I was still receiving ESA and I was still in the Support Group etc.

On the 28th December 2016, I received another ESA50(04/15) through the post. I've read recently about letters for "no change" but this does not appear to be one of those.

I am just sitting down, about to literally copy and paste my answers from last time, and scan and print the latest letters,and go through things once again.

Is there anything I should be aware of? I am resigned to filling in the form and providing the same evidence, plus a few letters from the past two months.

I am seriously contemplating writing about how this is driving me mad in the "mental health" section. Mental health is not a matter to be taken lightly, mercifully I've been lucky in that respect, but at this rate, it is really going to start making me sick. I can't live with the sword of Damocles permanently over my head!

Apart from filling in the paperwork, is there anything I can do?

I really don't like people playing the victim, but come on - less than two months???

Thanks guys,

Ho Gordon,

Thanks for that.

The lady doing the assessment said that she had put me "on the long term list" - whatever that means?? Seemingly not a lot!

I will contact my MP - the idea crossed my mind, but I wasn't sure if I was being overly dramatic.

In the mean time, I will look through the appeal guide for information as to how to get a copy of the ESA85 for the previous assessment. Am I correct in assuming I will find the information there?

Is there any restriction on my applying for the ESA85, even though I am not asking for reconsideration.

nwfb