Too late to be put in support grouo?

This is my first post. I am helping a friend through both IB and DLA 5 year reviews and am going with her to her ESA medical next week. She has been on IB since 1994.
I have just read the Understanding ESA resource on here, dated 12 April 11.
Am I correct that her application form which we attached 18 detailed supplementary sheets to! has already been read by senior ATOS docs who have already decided she she is not eligible for support group?
Ref pages 10 and 12. It says in the resource that non computer docs have to tel for permission to recommend support group but is it known yet whether LIMA online docs have to do the same? Page 10 written in April says chances much slimmer by time get to medical but any stats or experience since then? ie has anyone been put into support group as result of the medical without having to appeal for it? Any advice much appreciated as she and I feel so downhearted/downtrodden by this new system! Sorry its so long!

hi gardener

its my understanding that people can be put in the support group on a paper review but also at the assessment stage

pug

Hi Gardener,

no, it's not too late at all. I had a medical for ESA and was then put into the support group, and there are other people who have posted on here who have found the same.

regards
Rainbowlight

Thank you!

Such a helpful response so thank you. It is an unusual musco skeletal condition due to surgery going wrong and then 14 ops failed to put it right! So no active treatment now as 17 years ago but the assessor will see how much damage there is plus wchair etc. Fingers crossed! Joined this site a few months ago and it is so helpful.