Downgraded :(

I've had MS for 4 years and have had Higher Rate Mobility since March 2009 which was due to run out next month. Sent all my claim forms off a month ago using my old ones for reference, had just been for my annual review with neuro so included the reports from that.

In that it had a walking timed test I had done in which I walked 100 metres in 2 minutes. I added into the claim pack that it was painful for me to do this and I couldn't walk any further than this without it being dangerous as I would likely fall over and had done many times.

I got it back yesterday and my mobility component has been cut because I can walk this 100metres. I can't walk anywhere and wouldn't even make it out of my street if I left the house walking. I have to drive everywhere, the Higher rate enabled me to have a car which meant I could have some form of life and without that I'm pretty much housebound.

I've got the CAB guy looking at it next week and he's going to work out the best way to approach asking them to reconsider this decision. I thought that this 100metres would be an issue, hence me including in the forms how it's painful and I am very unsteady when walking even short distances. Should have realised they would jst take the parts which are convenient to them and not look at the whole picture

I'm sorry you haven't got your HRM. Have you taken a look at our info on appeals in the Help for Claimants section?

QUOTE . "I added into the claim pack that it was painful for me to do this"

SEVERE DISCOMFORT. It's all down to how far you can walk before severe discomfort. Any distance you walk after severe discomfort doesn't count.
The severe discomfort can be pain and/or anguish about the fact that you could fall.
They have this 'rule' but then don't inform people about those rules. I'm so glad this site has given us such useful info.
Good luck
Helen

Survivor wrote:

I'm sorry you haven't got your HRM. Have you taken a look at our info on appeals in the Help for Claimants section?

Yeah I've had a look at those and spoken to the CAB guy again thanks.


helenlegs11 wrote:

QUOTE . "I added into the claim pack that it was painful for me to do this"

SEVERE DISCOMFORT. It's all down to how far you can walk before severe discomfort. Any distance you walk after severe discomfort doesn't count.
The severe discomfort can be pain and/or anguish about the fact that you could fall.
They have this 'rule' but then don't inform people about those rules. I'm so glad this site has given us such useful info.
Good luck
Helen

Hi Helen,

On the form he filled in with me for claiming we put 'I am unable to walk at all without experiencing severe pain and discomfort. If I am required to walk I have to stop frequently.

How far can you walk before you feel severe discomfort - 0 metres

How many minutes can you walk before you feel severe discomfort - 0 minutes

I thought that would clarify just how hard it is for me to get about and there wouldn't be a problem.

Should I say that I also worry about walking anywhere because I know it's going to be very painful and will cause me to fall over?

I would, it can't be easy, mentally, knowing that you could fall and possibly cause yourself more physical damage.
It's a shame they can't read isn't it.
Take care
Helen

Your worrying about falling must cause you severe mental anguish. I have a number of conditions that I live with but one has been repaired by both hips being replaced (total hip replacements) due to balance problems because of nerve damage I am TERRIFIED of a fall - which I have had plenty of times! I will not go out in the rain or snow. I will not risk losing my hips again! State it! You have nothing to lose but benefit - as you have sadly found out!