CFS/ME & Crohns disease

My daughter has CFS/ME & Crohns disease i have had to appeal against the DWP decision for DLA. I have had two hearings adjourned due to the DWP failing to provide evidence at the directions of the tribunal. Any one have any advice to offer.

Hi Maremana, I am in the same position as your daughter in that I have both of these diseases and resulting arthritis. I don't have any answers I'm afraid in that I had to go to tribunal for my first application, I recieved a six page letter telling me that the decision was that I had lied throughout the hearing and therefore was not entitled to anyy benefit. They based their finndings on the fact that I could not remember information but when a certain topic was mentioned I would remember something related to this,I was of the opinion that CFS/ME sufferers were known to have short term memory loss and lack of concentration. I am sorry for the rant but my belief is that the tribunal members have no idea how these diseases effect people and look to find any reason for not giving benefits. Surely if the DWP do not provide this evidence they are acting unlawfully,I understood that the tribunal was ruled by law (or so the judge told me at my tribunal)I contacted my local MP when I recieved my letter from the tribunal, he then organised an appointment for me at CAB with a volunteer with specific knowledge of the law. I wonder if you could do the same in order to get assistance with forcing the DWP to produce the evidence.I dohope your daughter gets better soon or she has less bad days than good. Kindest regards Ellie

Hi, I am in the same position as yourdaughter and I have been refused DLA twice. After the first refusal I recieved a 6 page report telling me I had done nothing but lie. As you can imagine I was furious. I contacted my local MP who contacted the CAB and made an appt. for me to see a volunteer with specific knowledge of the law. In that the tribunal procedure must be compliant with the law (as explained to me by the judge) surely the DWP are acting illegally and the legal specialist may enable you to force the DWP to comply with the tribunal request. I do hope your daughter is feeling better or at least having more betterdays than bad. Kindest regards Ellie

Hi, The DWP are supposed to let you have copies of everything they hold on you. Under the Data Protection Act. Best Wishes

Got the appeal dates for April. Got a telephone call from the DWP this morning they have awarded HRM and MRC until 2013 and I don't have to go to the tribunals now!!!!!
I am grateful to all the advice given and would advise all in the same situation to battle on.

Hi maremana

Congratulations to you and your daughter. And thanks for the update.

Derek