- Posts: 4
- Forum
- Members forums
- ESA, PIP, UC and DLA Queries and Results
- Denied PIP Mobility even though having a Trained Assistance Dog
× Members
Denied PIP Mobility even though having a Trained Assistance Dog
- ALF
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
1 month 3 weeks ago #299315 by ALF
Denied PIP Mobility even though having a Trained Assistance Dog was created by ALF
My wife submitted her PIP review pack July 2024. Summary Autistic Spectrum Disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, COPD (mild)
Her original award had been upheld DLA 15 Mobility 0.
The rationale for 0 Mobility -
"There is no evidence of you suffering overwhelming Psychological Distress" "There is no evidence that you cannot plan and follow a journey unaided"
In July 24, my wife was accepted to have an Trained Autistic Assistance Dog. The training is via 'Pawsable' who themselves are Nationally registered Assistance Dog trainers. My wife had to undergo an assessment to ensure that both her disability warranted a trained Dog and that her condition would not be considered detrimental to the safety of the dog.
Evidenced Provided for MR - ASD Assessment, Statements from friends on what happens when she has a meltdown, Registration of Assistance Dog and list of skills i.e. Lead to safe space; deep pressure; blocking (preventing others from approaching), alerting (when her anxiety levels increase); Lead to exit.
My questions are-
1) How do you evidence overwhelming Psychological distress in an Autistic Adult? NICE guidelines state that pharmacological use is not recommended and, that de-escalation is the recognised 'treatment'.
2) What evidence would be necessary to, show a)why she needs an assistance dog b) That the Assistance dog is a 'support aid' c) That this aids her on familiar journeys BUT she relies on others to travel to unfamiliar places; Likewise, if she is undertaking a familiar journey and there is a road closure/diversion this would have significant issues for her.
Hope this makes sense? In essence I'm asking 1) should mobility be awarded or am I being too optimistic? 2) Anyone had a similar situation?
I have read through the guidance on the site (very helpful indeed!) Used it in the original application and the review. Hence I was a little perplexed when she wasn't awarded mobility!!
Again, thanks!
Her original award had been upheld DLA 15 Mobility 0.
The rationale for 0 Mobility -
"There is no evidence of you suffering overwhelming Psychological Distress" "There is no evidence that you cannot plan and follow a journey unaided"
In July 24, my wife was accepted to have an Trained Autistic Assistance Dog. The training is via 'Pawsable' who themselves are Nationally registered Assistance Dog trainers. My wife had to undergo an assessment to ensure that both her disability warranted a trained Dog and that her condition would not be considered detrimental to the safety of the dog.
Evidenced Provided for MR - ASD Assessment, Statements from friends on what happens when she has a meltdown, Registration of Assistance Dog and list of skills i.e. Lead to safe space; deep pressure; blocking (preventing others from approaching), alerting (when her anxiety levels increase); Lead to exit.
My questions are-
1) How do you evidence overwhelming Psychological distress in an Autistic Adult? NICE guidelines state that pharmacological use is not recommended and, that de-escalation is the recognised 'treatment'.
2) What evidence would be necessary to, show a)why she needs an assistance dog b) That the Assistance dog is a 'support aid' c) That this aids her on familiar journeys BUT she relies on others to travel to unfamiliar places; Likewise, if she is undertaking a familiar journey and there is a road closure/diversion this would have significant issues for her.
Hope this makes sense? In essence I'm asking 1) should mobility be awarded or am I being too optimistic? 2) Anyone had a similar situation?
I have read through the guidance on the site (very helpful indeed!) Used it in the original application and the review. Hence I was a little perplexed when she wasn't awarded mobility!!
Again, thanks!
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gary
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 8419
1 month 3 weeks ago #299319 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Denied PIP Mobility even though having a Trained Assistance Dog
Hi Alan
In case you are not aware, your real name appears to be showing in the forum, if you want to change this then follow the instructions in the following FAQ
My full name is showing, how can I stop it?
The first question I would ask, have you asked for a copy of the assessors report called a PA4.
When you have the assessors report, you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and you will now be able to argue against them.
I usually use a highlighter to highlight any inaccuracies, once you have gone through the report you then set out why you are applying for a MR and go through each descriptor one at a time why you disagree with the assessor and try and match it with any supporting documents you may have sent in.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say 'in my opinion' 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, remember they are just an opinion which is not based on fact.
Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your wife 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.
Your primary task is to show that your wife meets the criteria, there are many reasons she may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation.
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that your wife is 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.
The first stage to challenging a Decision is for you to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, you can use a form called a CRMR1 form; www.gov.uk/government/publications/chall...ork-and-pensions-dwp
Don't use grey words such as 'likely to worsen over time', when completing a form it should be in black and white.
Has there been a change in your wife's condition from when previous assessed?
When you have a better idea of the issues with your claim, come back to the forum and we will do our best to help.
Gary
In case you are not aware, your real name appears to be showing in the forum, if you want to change this then follow the instructions in the following FAQ
My full name is showing, how can I stop it?
The first question I would ask, have you asked for a copy of the assessors report called a PA4.
When you have the assessors report, you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and you will now be able to argue against them.
I usually use a highlighter to highlight any inaccuracies, once you have gone through the report you then set out why you are applying for a MR and go through each descriptor one at a time why you disagree with the assessor and try and match it with any supporting documents you may have sent in.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say 'in my opinion' 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, remember they are just an opinion which is not based on fact.
Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your wife 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.
Your primary task is to show that your wife meets the criteria, there are many reasons she may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation.
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that your wife is 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.
The first stage to challenging a Decision is for you to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, you can use a form called a CRMR1 form; www.gov.uk/government/publications/chall...ork-and-pensions-dwp
Don't use grey words such as 'likely to worsen over time', when completing a form it should be in black and white.
Has there been a change in your wife's condition from when previous assessed?
When you have a better idea of the issues with your claim, come back to the forum and we will do our best to help.
Gary
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.
- ALF
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 4
3 weeks 5 days ago #300537 by ALF
Replied by ALF on topic Denied PIP Mobility even though having a Trained Assistance Dog
Thanks for the tips Gary.
I’ve sent in a MR
I’ve sent the personal training for my wife’s assistance dog. As her carer I did a statement “witnessing a meltdown” .
I hadn’t thought about asking to see the assessors notes! However, if they see the evidence and say “no”. Then, don’t know what more we can do.
The assessor did say that they had used, her medical from UC/ESA Which placed her in the support group.
I’ve sent in a MR
I’ve sent the personal training for my wife’s assistance dog. As her carer I did a statement “witnessing a meltdown” .
I hadn’t thought about asking to see the assessors notes! However, if they see the evidence and say “no”. Then, don’t know what more we can do.
The assessor did say that they had used, her medical from UC/ESA Which placed her in the support group.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gary
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 8419
3 weeks 4 days ago #300591 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Denied PIP Mobility even though having a Trained Assistance Dog
Hi Alf
It is always advisable to get a copy of the assessors report called a PA4 so you know what you are arguing against.
Remember an assessor offers an opinion which is quite often not based on facts. PIP is based on your condition and how your condition affects you.
Gary
It is always advisable to get a copy of the assessors report called a PA4 so you know what you are arguing against.
Remember an assessor offers an opinion which is quite often not based on facts. PIP is based on your condition and how your condition affects you.
Gary
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.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, Chris, David