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Going Out descriptor e

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7 years 5 days ago #184430 by Spaceman
Going Out descriptor e was created by Spaceman
I've just received my PIP form and have to return it by 28 March, which is very stressful for me as I need to work out to say to my GP before making an appointment to ask him to fill in the GP Notes form to provide supporting medical evidence.

I'm a bit confused about the Going Out descriptor e, which says "Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant". This is true for me most of the time due to severe mental illness and when I try to prepare myself it takes me so long and I get in such a state that I give up and stay in but I do occasionally manage to pop out to the local shops, although it still causes me a lot of anxiety and distress.

So I can't do it "reliably" but the wording "Cannot" suggests "never" and Q13c on the form "Are you unable to go out because of severe anxiety or distress?" has Yes, No or Sometimes options and I'd imagine if I tick Sometimes then they'll decide I don't meet descriptor e.

If anyone could clarify I'd appreciate it, as I know that descriptors d and f aren't applicable to me anymore as a result of the changes to the rules.

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7 years 4 days ago #184450 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Going Out descriptor e
DJ

You may be able to argue that due to the reliability criteria that "cannot" should not be taken to mean "never", but the standard that you will need to show that you meet will be far higher than the normal "on the majority of days", maybe as high as 90% of the time.

The key issue will be around the time that you do go out, where you go, whether someone is with you and the effort involved in your doing this.

If you find the tick boxes restrictive, then mark them "see below" and answer on the comments box or attached pages.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Spaceman

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7 years 4 days ago #184529 by Spaceman
Replied by Spaceman on topic Going Out descriptor e
Thanks Gordon, that's very helpful. I'll mark the tickbox "see below" and explain my situation as you've suggested, as in my case it's most of the time and "sometimes" doesn't reflect how bad it is.

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7 years 3 days ago #184560 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Going Out descriptor e

DJ wrote: Thanks Gordon, that's very helpful. I'll mark the tickbox "see below" and explain my situation as you've suggested, as in my case it's most of the time and "sometimes" doesn't reflect how bad it is.


Sometimes covers a fluctuating condition.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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