- Posts: 29
- Forum
- Members forums
- ESA, PIP, UC and DLA Queries and Results
- Assessor report contradicts self and my form
× Members
Assessor report contradicts self and my form
- nicmcc
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
4 years 2 months ago #255318 by nicmcc
Assessor report contradicts self and my form was created by nicmcc
Thank you
Re Speaking/ send a letter to the Decision maker to correct any missing info hopefully before a decision is made.
I take it I can't reintroduce letters from my orginal PIP application (2018). Or refer back to them ?(even though I was asked about stuff 14 years ago on the phone assessment).
The report keeps using the fact that I haven't been under the "mental health team since May 2017 as reason to not give be descriptors, as mentioned above I was only discharged because the service/ work was too much pressure for me. That letter was part of the original award, as it was on my last award and this was a renewal I didn't think to send it again.
Could I use that as evidence at this stage? I did state on my form I would like my previous application (and letters) taken into account - don't know if that works with PIP.
I also started seeing the clinical physiologist in Sept 17 and the assessor in one place puts I was seeing the clinical psychologist for anxiety and pain, then else where says because I'm not seeing anyone so I don't meet descriptors.
I can do stuff like dates being wrong etc.
So I can go through inaccurate in History, functional history etc.
On the descriptors is it best to say something like
3,managing therapy:
1,In the assessment my partner was comforting me (I didn't sleep for 2 days after the assessment and had to be constantly reassured by my partner afterwards)
2, as per my form and page X of my assessment I am under the clinical psychologist working on both my pain and mental health - Anxiety / depression. Please see the letters: X with my orginal form (copy attached here).
3, As previously stated in my form partner has control of the meds as advised due to my previous suicide attempts.
4, As on my form & stated in my assessment my Partner keeps the medication in a dosage box, if I'm away from him - for example if my mum takes me to a appointment. He will give me the small day strip/box. He will remind me to take my tablets and wake me for my meds if I'm asleep.
5, My Mental health has not improved (see letter) if it appears that my mental health is stable (it's not), it is only that way because my partner has the control of my meds / is there to encourage and comfort me and the support and work I'm doing with my clinical physiologist.
As it's a renewal do I bring up the previous assessment (home assessment April 18) if it supports my argument?
Re Speaking/ send a letter to the Decision maker to correct any missing info hopefully before a decision is made.
I take it I can't reintroduce letters from my orginal PIP application (2018). Or refer back to them ?(even though I was asked about stuff 14 years ago on the phone assessment).
The report keeps using the fact that I haven't been under the "mental health team since May 2017 as reason to not give be descriptors, as mentioned above I was only discharged because the service/ work was too much pressure for me. That letter was part of the original award, as it was on my last award and this was a renewal I didn't think to send it again.
Could I use that as evidence at this stage? I did state on my form I would like my previous application (and letters) taken into account - don't know if that works with PIP.
I also started seeing the clinical physiologist in Sept 17 and the assessor in one place puts I was seeing the clinical psychologist for anxiety and pain, then else where says because I'm not seeing anyone so I don't meet descriptors.
I can do stuff like dates being wrong etc.
So I can go through inaccurate in History, functional history etc.
On the descriptors is it best to say something like
3,managing therapy:
1,In the assessment my partner was comforting me (I didn't sleep for 2 days after the assessment and had to be constantly reassured by my partner afterwards)
2, as per my form and page X of my assessment I am under the clinical psychologist working on both my pain and mental health - Anxiety / depression. Please see the letters: X with my orginal form (copy attached here).
3, As previously stated in my form partner has control of the meds as advised due to my previous suicide attempts.
4, As on my form & stated in my assessment my Partner keeps the medication in a dosage box, if I'm away from him - for example if my mum takes me to a appointment. He will give me the small day strip/box. He will remind me to take my tablets and wake me for my meds if I'm asleep.
5, My Mental health has not improved (see letter) if it appears that my mental health is stable (it's not), it is only that way because my partner has the control of my meds / is there to encourage and comfort me and the support and work I'm doing with my clinical physiologist.
As it's a renewal do I bring up the previous assessment (home assessment April 18) if it supports my argument?
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Catherine
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 1252
4 years 2 months ago #255330 by Catherine
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Catherine on topic Assessor report contradicts self and my form
Hi nic,
To start at the end first, the example you give, presumably for your MR, I think is spot on. The DM's don't read between the lines, and you highlight clearly the help you need, and fortunately get. Well done.
Regarding sending old letters. Recent ones are obviously best, but anything is better than nothing. I have never seen anything to suggest that they refer back to old supporting letters, so yes, send them in again. If they end up with dulplicates in their file, it really doesn't matter. Include anything you have which helps to paint the complete picture.
Generally I do not hesitate to point out inconsistancies in the report, particularly where there is a difference between they have recorded you saying in the history and what they later record you saying when it comes to the bit where they aware you points. (Or if you disagree that you actually said what they say that you said - although best to be tactful on that one!)
Catherine
To start at the end first, the example you give, presumably for your MR, I think is spot on. The DM's don't read between the lines, and you highlight clearly the help you need, and fortunately get. Well done.
Regarding sending old letters. Recent ones are obviously best, but anything is better than nothing. I have never seen anything to suggest that they refer back to old supporting letters, so yes, send them in again. If they end up with dulplicates in their file, it really doesn't matter. Include anything you have which helps to paint the complete picture.
Generally I do not hesitate to point out inconsistancies in the report, particularly where there is a difference between they have recorded you saying in the history and what they later record you saying when it comes to the bit where they aware you points. (Or if you disagree that you actually said what they say that you said - although best to be tactful on that one!)
Catherine
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: nicmcc, Gaddy
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- nicmcc
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 29
4 years 2 months ago #255380 by nicmcc
Replied by nicmcc on topic Assessor report contradicts self and my form
Thank you, that is very helpful.
My thread has been split into two, my above post was a reply to this thread here:
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum1/10-dla-...cts-self-and-my-form
About correcting mistakes in the assessors report, I don't have a decision on my PIP renewal yet.
I think because I took so long when I pressed post, I was logged out. I then logged back in and my post was saved (but not posted) so when I pressed post it started another thread.
I've accidentally done this on two different threads.
My thread has been split into two, my above post was a reply to this thread here:
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum1/10-dla-...cts-self-and-my-form
About correcting mistakes in the assessors report, I don't have a decision on my PIP renewal yet.
I think because I took so long when I pressed post, I was logged out. I then logged back in and my post was saved (but not posted) so when I pressed post it started another thread.
I've accidentally done this on two different threads.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gary
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 8436
4 years 2 months ago #255382 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Assessor report contradicts self and my form
Hi Nick
I am quite often timed out, especially if it is a long post, which can be frustrating.
what I now do is complete my answer in notes (MacBook) you could do it in word (Microsoft) then I will copy and paste it on the forum.
There is a window for you to write to the Decision Maker but you will need to be quick.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say that you can do the PIP activities, tackling these head-on is unlikely to be successful, you need to show that the basis of that opinion is founded on incorrect information, so try and refer to your evidence to undermine what they have said.Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your scoring points, I often hear members referring to the assessors spelling, as an example, whilst it may show a lack of professionalism, raising it as an issue isn't going to help you get an award.
It is always helpful to refer back to your original form and paperwork, do this in your letter as well, for example;
"the assessor does not seem to have taken on board the information I supplied in reply to question X and the medical evidence I supplied in support of this, see page Y of the information attached to my form."
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that you are being assessed against you can put the best case forward that is possible but you won't score points if you do not meet the PIP Descriptors.
Make sure that your letter makes it clear that you are not requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration but you reserve the right to do so once a Decision has been made.
Gary
I am quite often timed out, especially if it is a long post, which can be frustrating.
what I now do is complete my answer in notes (MacBook) you could do it in word (Microsoft) then I will copy and paste it on the forum.
There is a window for you to write to the Decision Maker but you will need to be quick.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say that you can do the PIP activities, tackling these head-on is unlikely to be successful, you need to show that the basis of that opinion is founded on incorrect information, so try and refer to your evidence to undermine what they have said.Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your scoring points, I often hear members referring to the assessors spelling, as an example, whilst it may show a lack of professionalism, raising it as an issue isn't going to help you get an award.
It is always helpful to refer back to your original form and paperwork, do this in your letter as well, for example;
"the assessor does not seem to have taken on board the information I supplied in reply to question X and the medical evidence I supplied in support of this, see page Y of the information attached to my form."
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that you are being assessed against you can put the best case forward that is possible but you won't score points if you do not meet the PIP Descriptors.
Make sure that your letter makes it clear that you are not requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration but you reserve the right to do so once a Decision has been made.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: nicmcc
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, Chris, David