ESA Migraine

I suffer from migraines for about 1/3 of the time. I have been on ESA in a support group for the past year. I have just had another medical and my ESA has been stopped as I received no points.Despite my condition being the same as it was a year ago. The nurse who carried out my medical said that migraines came under Neurological and she was not qualified to neurological but after a phone call to some one it was ok for her to do the medical. But had to make sure she typed every detail into the computer. She said during this that shed had had a migraine once and couldn't imagine what I was going through.She also said at one point during this medical that took nearly 2hrs and started 45mins late that it was a pity the rescission maker had no medical knowledge. I will now have to appeal. Which I have done before when I was on Incapacity Benefit and lost because they said they didn't believe me. Put me on JSA and when I went to sign on at the Job center and said I had migraines they said OH! you can't do anything when you have a migraine. !!!!! I feel like I am banging my head on a brick wall, causes me even more stress and also depression. Today (the 6th Sept) I receive a letter dated the 2nd Sept telling me if I want to continue my claim I must send them a med. cert. by the 2nd of Sept. There must be other Migraine suffers out there who are banging their heads on the same wall. Can you offer me any advice?

Hi Sandie

Welcome to B&W. Sorry to hear abut your migraines and the trouble you're having. It's possible for a doctor to backdate a sick note (doctor's note). Contact your GP and explain the letter only came today and ask for a backdated sick note to the 2nd Sept.

Kind regards

Michael

Hi Sandie, I am a fellow migraine sufferer, about 8-10 per month, I can really empathise with you.

Have to admit, at my last WCA, the nurse wasn't interested. I have written down a lot more about how they affect me on my new ESA50, using the physical and mental questions.

Wish you all the best,
Rachel

I am afraid I cannot comment on migraines as I have never suffered from them.

One thing that is odd however, is the DWP asking you that if you want to continue your claim to send in a medical certificate. Have you actually appealed the adverse decision, because it is most unusual for the DWP to ask if you are continuing your ESA claim in the absence of an appeal, following the termination of the allowance?

The letter you have received from the DWP dated 2 September 2011 telling you to send in a medical certificate by the same date is absolutely ridiculous and devoid of logic and common sense, but it doesn't surprise me these days!

If you are to appeal the adverse decision as you have indicated, send in the medical certificate with the official appeal form (GL24) and inform them that you wish your payments to be reinstated at the assessment rate, pending the outcome of the appeal.

I used to be a step ahead of the DWP and send in sick notes before the old one expired - until the DWP started demanding them well before they were due to expire!

After a phone call from the decision maker today. I have been given my ESA back from no points after my medical. Under exceptional circumstances.Finally someone who understands how debilitating migraines are.