I've got my appeal on Friday. I got 6 points on my initial assessment for having to stop and rest whilst out walking. I suffer with Atrial fibrilation and have been off work for over a year. I have a very physical job and I'm unable to work. To enable me to return to work my cardiologist is considering a pacemaker or a Maze procedure. My argument at the appeal is that I'm not fit to return to my job that I've had for over 20 years. I get out of breath so quickly, I feel lightheaded when fatigued and my anxiety levels are high when in AF. I accept the findings of the assessment that I'm capable of some type of work. Do I have a chance at appeal? I suspect not. Any advice would be appreciated. I've been receiving the benefit for 9 months so only have 3 months of payments left.
When completing the WCA you have to pass two tests to be placed in the support group, the first test is you have to get 15 points or more, the second test you have to pass is that you have to fit in one of their descriptors see pages 16 - 27.
If you have not already done so, have a go at the self-test, click on the ESA tab and then click on "take the ESA test"
Also contact ESA and ask for a copy of the assessors report called a UC85
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
