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PIP Mandatory Reconsideeration
- Lali
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1 year 2 months ago #283227 by Lali
PIP Mandatory Reconsideeration was created by Lali
Hi I'm new here and would like some advice please?
I have been awarded an enhanced rate for Mobility and Standard for Daily Living.
completed the CRMR1 form, at the same time asked for a copy of the HP Health Assessment Report, which initially didn't arrive. I sent the form CRMR1 back to DWP to avoid missing the cut off date. I received a copy of the Health Report this Saturday.
On my Health Assessment I scored zero points for Reading, Engaging with Others, Communicating Verbally, Eating and Drinking, and Making Budgeting decisions, for Managing Treatments I scored 1 point. I initially applied for PIP because I have spinal problems osteoarthritis in all joints, and I am waiting for both knees to be replaced and a spinal operation.
I have mentioned in most of the descriptors that I have brain fog and forget what I am doing
due to pain and the medication I take, my medical assessment was also taped.
One of the common side effects of taking my pain kellers is confusion, unable to think clearly and muddled thoughts?
I was not applying for PIP due to a mental health issue, I mentioned at assessment and on application form that I take testosterone (womans dose) for cognitive function as part of my HRT.
The reason why I scored zero was because I had not listed any ‘Mental Health’ issues or prescribed anxiety specific medications.
My partner reminded me that I was prescribed an antidepressant last year, which I had forgotten about (need prompting to take medication).
This morning I called DWP to find out how to add additional information to my MR?
The woman I spoke to was so rude asking me what additional information did I have, she informed me the reason why I scored zero was because I did not list the fact that I had a mental condition, I told her I didn’t, I had brain fog which is not a mental health issue but it can be a symptom of a mental health condition.
But also I had been prescribed antidepressants which I had forgotten about, she then said so you do have mental issues then? I told her that she was not a doctor. My antidepressants were prescribed for pain mainly and depression if required, but I did not use them on the majority of days? And I forgot I had been prescribed them that's why I needed prompting to take my medication.
She said she didn't understand why I didn't know if I had a mental condition or not, I told her I didn’t ? She then started asking me loads of questions. I told her I wasn't going to do a telephone interview, I would send a letter, and I wanted an extension for my MR, which she gave me ?
I will send DWP a copy of my antidepressant prescription but I have no idea what to write. I feel overwhelmed and exhausted? Does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions ?
I have been awarded an enhanced rate for Mobility and Standard for Daily Living.
completed the CRMR1 form, at the same time asked for a copy of the HP Health Assessment Report, which initially didn't arrive. I sent the form CRMR1 back to DWP to avoid missing the cut off date. I received a copy of the Health Report this Saturday.
On my Health Assessment I scored zero points for Reading, Engaging with Others, Communicating Verbally, Eating and Drinking, and Making Budgeting decisions, for Managing Treatments I scored 1 point. I initially applied for PIP because I have spinal problems osteoarthritis in all joints, and I am waiting for both knees to be replaced and a spinal operation.
I have mentioned in most of the descriptors that I have brain fog and forget what I am doing
due to pain and the medication I take, my medical assessment was also taped.
One of the common side effects of taking my pain kellers is confusion, unable to think clearly and muddled thoughts?
I was not applying for PIP due to a mental health issue, I mentioned at assessment and on application form that I take testosterone (womans dose) for cognitive function as part of my HRT.
The reason why I scored zero was because I had not listed any ‘Mental Health’ issues or prescribed anxiety specific medications.
My partner reminded me that I was prescribed an antidepressant last year, which I had forgotten about (need prompting to take medication).
This morning I called DWP to find out how to add additional information to my MR?
The woman I spoke to was so rude asking me what additional information did I have, she informed me the reason why I scored zero was because I did not list the fact that I had a mental condition, I told her I didn’t, I had brain fog which is not a mental health issue but it can be a symptom of a mental health condition.
But also I had been prescribed antidepressants which I had forgotten about, she then said so you do have mental issues then? I told her that she was not a doctor. My antidepressants were prescribed for pain mainly and depression if required, but I did not use them on the majority of days? And I forgot I had been prescribed them that's why I needed prompting to take my medication.
She said she didn't understand why I didn't know if I had a mental condition or not, I told her I didn’t ? She then started asking me loads of questions. I told her I wasn't going to do a telephone interview, I would send a letter, and I wanted an extension for my MR, which she gave me ?
I will send DWP a copy of my antidepressant prescription but I have no idea what to write. I feel overwhelmed and exhausted? Does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions ?
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1 year 2 months ago #283237 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic PIP Mandatory Reconsideeration
Hi Lali
There are several issues that you are going to need to address if you hope to get them to change their decision.
1. The antidepressants (for pain and depression if required). Was it you or the assessor who said you do not take the medication on the majority of days? If you are saying you don't take them on the majority of days -then the DWP will automatically say that for the majority of the time, your condition is not that bad - eg your pain is manageable. If you say that you had forgotten that you had been prescribed them, they will ask when it was that you last took them and if you need support to take them, why hasn't your partner reminded you before now. (Please don't think I am criticising you - I am just being Devil's advocate - because this is what the DWP will be asking).
2. You've listed the questions where you scored zero - do you understand why you didn't score points and how you can counteract their arguments?
3. Brain fog - I absolutely understand you're saying it is not a mental health issue - but if you haven't already, it would help if you could show that brain fog is a known side effect of the specific medications you're taking. That information will be on the information sheets or find it online and include it in your information. Ensure you have fully explained the impact on you with regard to the specific criteria. The person reading your form will be a non-medical person - so don't assume they will understand what you're talking about. So for example - if you said you have problems engaging with others because of the impact of your pain and/or the medication - you need to give examples of when that occurs, how often it occurs, what happens, whether or not you avoid communicating with others because of the difficulties etc, etc. I don't know whether you used our guides to fill in your form, but if you didn't, go back and check that you didn't miss anything. (Guide to PIP Claims and Reviews).
BIS
There are several issues that you are going to need to address if you hope to get them to change their decision.
1. The antidepressants (for pain and depression if required). Was it you or the assessor who said you do not take the medication on the majority of days? If you are saying you don't take them on the majority of days -then the DWP will automatically say that for the majority of the time, your condition is not that bad - eg your pain is manageable. If you say that you had forgotten that you had been prescribed them, they will ask when it was that you last took them and if you need support to take them, why hasn't your partner reminded you before now. (Please don't think I am criticising you - I am just being Devil's advocate - because this is what the DWP will be asking).
2. You've listed the questions where you scored zero - do you understand why you didn't score points and how you can counteract their arguments?
3. Brain fog - I absolutely understand you're saying it is not a mental health issue - but if you haven't already, it would help if you could show that brain fog is a known side effect of the specific medications you're taking. That information will be on the information sheets or find it online and include it in your information. Ensure you have fully explained the impact on you with regard to the specific criteria. The person reading your form will be a non-medical person - so don't assume they will understand what you're talking about. So for example - if you said you have problems engaging with others because of the impact of your pain and/or the medication - you need to give examples of when that occurs, how often it occurs, what happens, whether or not you avoid communicating with others because of the difficulties etc, etc. I don't know whether you used our guides to fill in your form, but if you didn't, go back and check that you didn't miss anything. (Guide to PIP Claims and Reviews).
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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1 year 2 months ago #283243 by Lali
Replied by Lali on topic PIP Mandatory Reconsideeration
Hello BIS
Thank you so much for your reply,
It was the lady I spoke to today at DWP because I wanted to send additinal info to her that asked me if I took the medication on the majority of days, and I refused to answer the question telling her I would send the additional information by letter, because I felt she was trying to catch me out? I also didn't tell her I had forgotten about the AD's.
I scored zero points because I didn't list that I had a mental condition in my initial application for PIP, DWP confirmed that to me today and I am not sure how to counteract their arguments for this to be honest?
I will take you advice and show them that brain fog is a known side effect of the medications I am taking, I will include it in my information and I will explain the the impact for each criteria.
I will read the guides again before I reply.
I really appreciate your time and advice.
Lali
Thank you so much for your reply,
It was the lady I spoke to today at DWP because I wanted to send additinal info to her that asked me if I took the medication on the majority of days, and I refused to answer the question telling her I would send the additional information by letter, because I felt she was trying to catch me out? I also didn't tell her I had forgotten about the AD's.
I scored zero points because I didn't list that I had a mental condition in my initial application for PIP, DWP confirmed that to me today and I am not sure how to counteract their arguments for this to be honest?
I will take you advice and show them that brain fog is a known side effect of the medications I am taking, I will include it in my information and I will explain the the impact for each criteria.
I will read the guides again before I reply.
I really appreciate your time and advice.
Lali
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1 year 2 months ago #283244 by Lali
Replied by Lali on topic PIP Mandatory Reconsideeration
Thank you so much for this advice.
It was the DWP who assumed that I take the antidepressants on the majority of days, I did not confirm that, all I wanted to do was to find out how to send them additional evidence.
I have not informed DWP that I forgot about the AD, because my doctor prescribed them just in case I needed them when I was feeling very depressed at one stage as I take other meds besides these.
The DWP again the same woman as above informed me I scored zero on each criteria because I did not mention in my initial application to pip that I suffer from a mental condition, I am not sure how to counteract their arguments but I will read your guides again, and explain the impact in relation to each of the specific criterias.
I will include information to show that brain fog is a known side effect of the specific medications I am taking.
I don’t think I have much chance of DWP awarding me the higher rate for DL, but I will read the guides again.
Thank you so much for your time.
Lali
It was the DWP who assumed that I take the antidepressants on the majority of days, I did not confirm that, all I wanted to do was to find out how to send them additional evidence.
I have not informed DWP that I forgot about the AD, because my doctor prescribed them just in case I needed them when I was feeling very depressed at one stage as I take other meds besides these.
The DWP again the same woman as above informed me I scored zero on each criteria because I did not mention in my initial application to pip that I suffer from a mental condition, I am not sure how to counteract their arguments but I will read your guides again, and explain the impact in relation to each of the specific criterias.
I will include information to show that brain fog is a known side effect of the specific medications I am taking.
I don’t think I have much chance of DWP awarding me the higher rate for DL, but I will read the guides again.
Thank you so much for your time.
Lali
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