PIP assesment

Thanks Jim, Ive had RRMS for 17 years and up until last year ive been ok but 3 major relapses in 9 months have now escalated things for me,I have a Neuro but to be honest my GP has been a better help than the Neuro ever has, I have a paper trail of relapses ,symptoms and meds so hopefully with the outstanding info on offer from here it will come together but yes I am very nervous about having a physio doing my assessment, and i am trying to find a way to explain brain fog and M.S tiredness.Most other things are very obvious and easy to explain.My husband is coming with me and hopefully between us we will be able to get my difficulties across.

barnabycrumble - Your PIP assessment will not be like your ESA assessment. PIP assessments are much better in terms of they do not catch you out nor do they ask you if you watch TV etc. You usually start off explaining your medical conditions / medications and the help you need every day around the house and out and about. It's you talking about your needs and they type this up and even may show you what they have written if you are lucky. They may / may not do a very simple examination ( lift arms, legs etc) but my physio could see I was in pain and she said she was happy to skip this. I insisted that she carry on and if things get extremely painful I will tell her. She was happy and did do very minimal movement. Mine lasted about 40 mins and now awaiting results.
Good luck on Thursday.

Up until about 18 months ago, the DWP used the Disability Handbook, which Decision Makers and DLA Tribunals members used to help asses the the likely care and/or mobility needs of most diseases, including MS. It was eventually replaced bu the DWP A--Z of Medical Conditions. However, this is no longer available on the DWP site, and has been replaced on the gov.uk by the following :

Medical guidance for DLA and AA decision makers (adult cases): staff guide However, I'm afraid it doesn't go into detail on any serious medical conditions including MS, nor the likely or mobility arising from their condition.

Hence my previous post.

Jm Allison
retired Welfare Rights Lawyer & former DLA Tribunal Member (1994 to 2005)