Appeals tribunal Fibromyalgia

First of all, thank you to everyone who replied to my post on fibromyalgia. I would very much like to know if there is anyone out there who has actually been through the tribunal process. I am really interested in what was said and if there are certain items to know and basically how to conduct myself. Never having been through anything like this and due to the lack of education in the medical and DWP Sectors I am needing to try to build up some confidence.All suggestions greatly received.

Paul

Hi there, my neighbour went through exact same. She contacted Citizens Advice and was helped right tthrough the appeal, she also got her GP to write a letter explaining how it affect her day to day living. Her CAB advisor sent this in as evidence and she won her appeal without having to appear.
Good luck to you x

This is an addition to my last post an hour ago.
I would like to ask if anyone has actually had their points increased from zero in the ESA Appeal and if anyone has been successful in the Tribunal.... this is in connection with Fibromyalgia.

Paul

I had 6 points at my Atos medical, I have osteoarthritis and was 59, I went to Tribunral, of which I waited 8 months, getting 65 pounds a week which helped. At my Tribunral I was awarded 18 points, based on my medical 8 months ago, so take heart, do your homework on this site, get a representative from CAB and make sure you say everything, and I mean e everything, the Judge was a soliciter, and she had a doctor with her, they were very professional, but very nice with it. Just tell it like it is, even if you are tearful, let them see, they are not ogres like a certain medical team you have seen

Thanks for telling us about that. It's good for members to read the success stories as well as the sad stories, to help them to keep going.

Queenarc,

I can only reiterate that you need to fix an appointment with CAB or other benefits advisor in your area. Not only will you be able to use their knowledge and experience, they can take over managing the case, and dealing with paperwork etc when required, which can remove a burden for yourself.
What will also help, both for the advisor and indeed for any appeal hearing is to keep a diary. Basically if you have any falls, accidents etc as a result of your disabilities, or eg try to peel a potato but it falls from your hand due to grip problems, you can't lift yourself from the chair unaided and had to stay put until friend visits etc list the incidents, their effect, things you couldn't do properly or at all, even including having to remain in bed as being too illcan help- write notes over the course of the next few days/weeks. Just a couple of words and a date will suffice. This is immensely useful as evidence, particularly if the hearing is a while from now, when you could easily forget. There are many people who achieve nil points after their ATOS examination, yet are successful at appeal, but the trick is to get a well prepared/argued appeal, hence the need for evidence! Hope this helps!Bari264