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PIP claim and evidence

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8 years 2 weeks ago #153125 by Perdita
PIP claim and evidence was created by Perdita
Hi, I have been advised to claim PIP. However although I have evidence of one health condition, the other health condition (a phobia) I have not actually visited my GP with. I have however mentioned it during phone calls regarding other health issues but it is very possible that this phobia was not recorded. Hence I have just written to my GP explaining this phobia condition I have. I have been too embarrassed to properly confess my phobia to my GP before now. But it has become so debilitating that I can no longer properly function and need some help! Back in October I started seeing a private counsellor for this phobia and she recently gave me a letter to pass to my GP simply saying she believes I would benefit from their specialist mental health team. My counsellor has written literally just that. I attached this letter to the letter I had written explaining my phobia and sent these to my GP . Anyway my counsellor has said she does not do reports for her clients so I am thinking if I go ahead with a PIP claim for my phobia/ocd how will I get my evidence. Should I speak and ask my counsellor again. If I put my counsellor's name on the PIP claim form, it would be awkward if they were to contact her and she did not want to respond. My counsellor understands how hugely this phobia affects my life and knows me well and I really want her input for the claim. Does evidence from a private counsellor count anyway , I wonder if the evidence has to come from NHS health professionals and private health professionals only through GP referrals. I gained my counsellor through the the BACP(British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) directory. Any thoughts please

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8 years 2 weeks ago - 8 years 2 weeks ago #153134 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP claim and evidence
Cruella

You can try the private counsellor again, they may consider writing a report if you pay for it, you should also ask how they will respond if contacted by the DWP. Although the DWP can contact a private doctor there is likely to be an issue over the fees that may be due as result, they have an agreement with NHS doctors but this does not extend to the private sector.

Although evidence is not specifically required for a PIP claim, given that you have not even discussed these issues with your GP as yet, your claim will undoubtedly weakened by this.

I would speak to your GP, give them this letter and specifically raise the issue of you claiming PIP with them, that way you'll know where you stand and what support you will have.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 8 years 2 weeks ago by Gordon.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Perdita

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8 years 2 weeks ago #153146 by Perdita
Replied by Perdita on topic PIP claim and evidence
Thanks. With PIP I know you have to have had the health condition for three months, I ve had my phobia for a number of years although as I say only just confessing properly to my GP. Will the DWP expect there to have been a formal diagnosis or for it to at least been on my medical notes for three months or can I claim now , straight after my GP receiving my confession letter

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8 years 2 weeks ago #153149 by Perdita
Replied by Perdita on topic PIP claim and evidence
oh, I do explain how many years I have been struggling with my phobia in the letter to my GP.

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8 years 2 weeks ago #153150 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP claim and evidence
Cruella

I don't think that this will be a problem, mental health issues are not like a broken leg, someone may have been suffering the effects for some time before they contact their GP.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Perdita

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8 years 2 weeks ago #153151 by Perdita
Replied by Perdita on topic PIP claim and evidence
oh and my counsellor's letter to my GP, although it does not explain why I have been seeing her, it does say I have been seeing her since October.

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