FOI Request PIP

Hi Caw

You don't have to put in a FO1 request to get hold of the health professionals form. You just need to ring the DWP and ask them to send a copy. It's a PA4. (And you really want to read that report before you put in your MR or you won't have a clear idea of what you are fighting against). If it's close to the date when your MR is supposed to be in - see if you can get an extension while you wait for the form to arrive. Some come very quickly and sometimes it takes up to ten days.

BIS

Hi CAW

The comments that came through with the decision letter are not identical to what you would see on the PA4.

The PA4 is the report written within 48 hours of the assessment and is written by the Health Proffesional who carried out the assessment. They are a medical professional. You will be able to see what documents they used (or didn't use to write their report and you will be able to see how they scored you).

The PA4 is then sent to the Decision Maker (who is not medically trained), and although they generally endorse what has been said - there are times when they disagree - that can work in the claimant's favour or against. The decision letter and PA4 are not identical documents - because the PA4 should give more information about what was said at the assessment and the health professional's opinion. The Decision Maker makes the comments on the decision letter.

You don't have to get hold of the PA4, but there is a possibility you will be disadvantaged if you don't. Many claimant's put in for an MR - saying they disagree with the decision, without understanding how the decision was reached. And you need to be able to counter inaccurate or misleading information about your disabilities and the impact they have on your daily care and/or mobility. Only 30% of MRs are successful so it's best to get as much information as you can when fighting back.

BIS

BIS