Here we go again.

Crazydiamond wrote:

There is no guarantee that medical evidence obtained by the claimant would be pertinent to the work capability assessment in relation to their functional ability, for example in mental health cases, and accepted as such by the ESA decision maker.

Obtaining medical evidence can be very expensive especially if you are on a very low income as has been already demonstrated recently in the forum, and what happens if you have spent in excess of £50 (if you can afford it) for medical evidence, and still end up with an adverse ESA decision?

Valid comments CD,

I suppose it does actually depend on a claimants income.

It is unfortunate that some G.P. Practices are charging so much to obtain records, and that there is so much difference in these charges from practice to practice.

cheers

bro58

My GP practice charges £25 just for a doctor's signature!

Crazydiamond wrote:

My GP practice charges £25 just for a doctor's signature!

Proves the point, as I said previously, my G.P. had just provide a 2 page letter of support free of charge.

I must admit that I was surprised when I asked him re any charge, and he said it was free.

I also obtained letters of support from 2 of my consultants free also.

I am starting to feel rather lucky.

cheers

bro58

I heard from my MPs Assistant today. Here is the email:

Thank you for your email 12 August
Mr Willetts has written to Steve Webb (Minister of State at the DWP) raising this matter with him
And we will be back in touch when we receive his reply

(Am putting a copy of our letter in the post to you today)

Jackie Scaddan
Constituency Assistant to DAVID WILLETTS MP

I will of course keep you all informed.

Paul.


Pincher wrote:

On the 11 April this year I was visited at home by an Atos Doctor. A very nice man who was prepared to listen and spent over an hour & a half with me. He virtually wrote a book on my problems and in due course I retained my higher rate of Mobility & middle rate of care.

I have now received a letter from jobcentreplus informing me of the change to ESA a new benefit that helps people like me move into work. I won't go on and on about this as I am sure the reader knows the procedures. However, depending on my answers I may be offered a work focused interview and duly may have to be assessed by yet another Atos Doctor.

I rang jobcentreplus and spoke to a girl who sounded about 12 and explained that the Government had already spent a great deal of money trying to prove that I wasn't disabled and the DLA had a comprehensive report by Dr.***** on all my problems. So what? was her question. Well I asked if they could obtain the report form the DLA under the Data Protection Act 1998 if I gave them permission to do so. "Certainly not that is not our policy" So I will have to complete the new forms, attend a work focused interview, be assessed by Atos again in my home costing the Government more money and duly apply for work.

If I have to find a job fine but there is a big BUT. Will my new employer have to cater for my needs? Things like ramping all areas for my wheelchair, installing a Clos-o-mat toilet for my personal needs (this is a special toilet that washes and dries you after use) costing £5500. Also showering and changing facilities in case I have an accident. Under these circumstances would anyone employ me? The question may be asked if I could work from home, the simple answer is no because I live in sheltered accommodation and it is simply not allowed because of insurance issues etc. Dear Moderators, please try to help me on this one, I am so worried. I will be sending a copy of this to me MP.