× Members

ESA medical - worried

  • chrissyb
  • Topic Author
13 years 6 months ago #26519 by chrissyb
ESA medical - worried was created by chrissyb
Hi I'm quite a new member to this site and have used it to help me complete my ESA50 and DLA claim. The guides were very informative and helpful. I have now received an appointment for 20th September for the ESA medical and I am really worried reading about peoples experiences.
I have had osteoarthritis in my knees since 1999, cervical spondylosis since 2003 and depression since January this year and been off work since then. I have recently been ill health retired on medical grounds due to severe and constant pain and unstable mental health due to my condition.
I have done the DLA and ESA tests on the site and seem to qualify for both however I am worried that the result of my medical will find me fit for work even though my GP states I will not work again. I am unable to walk more than 10mtrs, sit more than 10mins or stand more than 5-10mins all without pain and severe discomfort.
I am preparing myself for the worst so anything will be a bonus but from reading on this site it is difficult to get anything from the medical.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 6 months ago #26524 by Derek4
Replied by Derek4 on topic Re:ESA medical - worried
Hi chrissyb

There are many horror stories on this site, but there have also been many success stories as well. I for one have been put in the limited capacity for work group two weeks ago, with help from the guides on this site.

You have already done what I think is the most important part, detailing your evidence on paper. You now just need to support the evidence you gave by answering simple questions at a medical, similar to the ones on the medical form.

From the difficulties you have mentioned you should be entitled to ESA. Please read the advice in the guides regarding medicals and under the ‘Assumption alert!’ heading for each relevant descriptor.

Best of luck with your medical

Derek

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • staffielover
13 years 6 months ago #26528 by staffielover
Replied by staffielover on topic Re:ESA medical - worried
can anyone tell me what the limited capacity for work group is please?
Is it a scheme to help sick.disabled people work part time or just another way of trying to find a suitable non existant job to avoid having our benefits cut after 24months.

I was told 13 years ago by a then DSS medical examiner that due to my mdical condition ,a degenerative arthritc disease called ankylosing spondylitis,which is now in it`s advanced stages ,along with associated crohns disease , iritis,osteopena(precursor to osteoporosis)and depression that I`d never work again and I should have stopped working ten years before! I was also told in 1996,when I was called in for a medical review that I`d be unable to work for the rest of my life and that the DWP would not be needing anymore medicals or interviews with me in the future as it was obvious that I was to ill/physically disabled to doany form of work.
Quite why things have changed is beyond me,apart from thinking that the sick,disabled and vulnerable members of britains society are being targeted because of a MINORITY of people fraudulently claiming to be sick or disabled.
Good luck with your work capability test.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 6 months ago #26535 by Derek4
Replied by Derek4 on topic Re:ESA medical - worried
In theory, the Limited Capacity for Work Group is designed to help you manage your health conditions, and give you all the help and support you need to get back into work, and sustain work while managing your health problems.

In practice, it’s a kick up the bum to get you back to work. Help to manage your conditions is provided in the way of WFIs, and you will get full help and support to manage your health conditions until you are sacked.

Apparently, sickness is just a temporary thing, like a cold. Nobody should be sick for more than six months.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 6 months ago #26536 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:ESA medical - worried
Hi chrissyb

The most important thing is to be prepared and to understand the process you are going to go through. I'm afraid it is going to look scary but that is why preparation is so important.

There are three documents in the members section that you should look at, they are all under the general heading of Limited Capability for Work and explain the questions and scoring, so you can see what you will need to get across.

You need to plan the day of medical. Decide how you are going to get there and back, is this compatible with your illnesses. They will ask and it will be a factor they will consider.

Your medical starts when you arrive within sight of the ATOS building and finishes when you are out of sight of it.

It's tempting to think of the medical as a conversation, it isn't! They will ask you questions, listen to what they are asking, if you don't understand or need clarification, then don't be afraid to ask. Decide on your answer, including any limitations or restrictions that are appropriate, give it and then stay quiet! The silence might feel awkward but don't be tempted to elaborate, if they need more info they will ask.

There will be a physical exam, do what you feel capable of doing and refuse to do the things that you are not. Don't feel pressured to do anything that is going to cause you pain or reasonable discomfort.

At the end of the examination, when you are getting you bits together and you are distracted, there will be more questions, be prepared.

I know this all makes it sound like a nightmare, but being prepared, puts you back in control and will allow you to put your case over in the best way.

Good luck

Steve

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • staffielover
13 years 6 months ago #26541 by staffielover
Replied by staffielover on topic Re:ESA medical - worried
Thanks for the reply/advice derek.
Just as I thought,ie, The govts "helping" the sick and disabled back to work is in truth forcing them.
I wonder how they can think that chronic degenerative and painful diseases can be managed!!!!!! Then again,I don`t suppose that they care as long as they can cut peoples benefits when they fail to find work within the specified time span or have to leave their new job because they can`t cope.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: GordonGaryBISCatherineWendyKellygreekqueenpeterKatherineSuper UserjimmckChris
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.