ESA Appeal

Hi

I'm hoping some one on here hopefully maybe able to answer a few questions i have for my appeal.

I had a really nasty fall about 6 years ago requiring emergency surgery. After the surgry i was off work for about 2 years due to chronic back pain as things were getting from bad to worse requiring me to have further surgery this time a spinal fusion.
even after this i now suffer from even more back pain and foot drop as i now have arthritis in the upper part of my spine which has left me with reduced feeling in my arms and hands and virtually no sensation in my fingers.

however i managed to get a p/t time job against the advice of my consultant and GP. I was only there a short period as i just couldnt do the job as i was getting so much pain and was off work regularly. and had to leave the job.

I started claiming ESA contribution based which was stopped in April but i had already put my appeal in to be in the support group.

Im really worried about my appeal as how do i explain my situation will they give me the opportunity to explain my history,do i need to go dressed smartly and loads of other questions which are really bugging me.
I requested my medical note both from the spinal centre and my pain managment team and GP. I have already forwaded these to the appeal which state my problems and difficulties and medication etc.

I was awarded 30 points in my medical and zero points in the second part of te ESA form. I know everybodies situation is different. My medication alone leaves me with all sorts of side effects.
im currently on
Fentanyl Pathches, oxycontin,oxynorm amitriptyline, lamotregen and diazepam so you can imagine that alone explains how severe my pain is. the lady who carried my assessment wrote that i will get better gradulaay and totally disregarding my GPs letter that its unlikely i would ever get better as i now have FBSS (failed back surgery syndrome)seriously guys id really appreciate any advice i am really worried about my appeal.Im hoping i can explain how things were before my accident and after as it did take a lot out of me to adjusting to cope with my problems.
Anyway any advice will be really helpful about your experiences with the appeal board. s
Thanks in advance and sorry to go on
Ash

arshad wrote:

Hi

I'm hoping some one on here hopefully maybe able to answer a few questions i have for my appeal.

I had a really nasty fall about 6 years ago requiring emergency surgery. After the surgry i was off work for about 2 years due to chronic back pain as things were getting from bad to worse requiring me to have further surgery this time a spinal fusion.
even after this i now suffer from even more back pain and foot drop as i now have arthritis in the upper part of my spine which has left me with reduced feeling in my arms and hands and virtually no sensation in my fingers.

however i managed to get a p/t time job against the advice of my consultant and GP. I was only there a short period as i just couldnt do the job as i was getting so much pain and was off work regularly. and had to leave the job.

I started claiming ESA contribution based which was stopped in April but i had already put my appeal in to be in the support group.

Im really worried about my appeal as how do i explain my situation will they give me the opportunity to explain my history,do i need to go dressed smartly and loads of other questions which are really bugging me.
I requested my medical note both from the spinal centre and my pain managment team and GP. I have already forwaded these to the appeal which state my problems and difficulties and medication etc.

I was awarded 30 points in my medical and zero points in the second part of te ESA form. I know everybodies situation is different. My medication alone leaves me with all sorts of side effects.
im currently on
Fentanyl Pathches, oxycontin,oxynorm amitriptyline, lamotregen and diazepam so you can imagine that alone explains how severe my pain is. the lady who carried my assessment wrote that i will get better gradulaay and totally disregarding my GPs letter that its unlikely i would ever get better as i now have FBSS (failed back surgery syndrome)seriously guys id really appreciate any advice i am really worried about my appeal.Im hoping i can explain how things were before my accident and after as it did take a lot out of me to adjusting to cope with my problems.
Anyway any advice will be really helpful about your experiences with the appeal board. s
Thanks in advance and sorry to go on
Ash

Hi a,

Try not to get too stressed regarding your appeal.

ESA Appeals Tribunals are very informal, there will be a Judge, and a Doctor.

They should allow you to explain your personal circumstances to them.

Regarding attending the appeal, claimants who attend in person do have a greater success rate than those who don't.

Have a look at our : Appeals FAQ’s

And :

Employment and Support Allowance appeals
35 page guide to revisions and appeals for ESA.

Which is the 5th link down this page :

ESA Guides

It advises on etiquette, how to dress, and the general procedural issues of the Tribunal.

This video may help to put you more at ease :

MOJ Video of ESA Appeals Process and Tribunal

bro58