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Length of award suggested on medical report query.

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6 years 10 months ago #188814 by BaldRunner
My wife has had numerous health conditions both mental and physical. Some of these issues were diagnosed in the 1980s and one lifelong condition was diagnosed just this year.
She was previously on an ‘indefinite’ award for both components of DLA. She will be 59 this year.
We were invited to apply for PIP in March 2017 and duly completed the forms and additional evidence and sent it back. We requested a home visit for the assessment which was granted and ATOS attended on 24th April.
I requested a copy of the medical report and it arrived 2 days later.
The medical report appears to be favourable and the points that the assessor appears to have awarded amount to 12 or more in both the Daily Living and Mobility components.
However, the assessor has recommended a review in 4 years, but has also indicated that the ‘functional restriction identified in this report’ will still be present at the recommended point of review.
I am wondering if the assessor is under instruction to recommend 4 years and the DM can award for longer or does the DM rely on the assessor for the decision on the length of the award?
Based on my wife’s numerous and permanent health issues, I feel that 4 years is somewhat ridiculous and I know that longer awards are not unheard of. The thought of a further assessment will not help her health at all.
Obviously, we haven’t had the actual award decision yet and that could be 6 weeks away, based on the assessor stating 4-8 weeks for a decision.
Does anybody have any knowledge of the periods of award suggested by the assessor being changed by the DM or can I pretty much assume that is what the award will be (if awarded at all…)

Thank you

Mark

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6 years 10 months ago #188874 by Gordon
BaldRunner

Based on what we are seeing in the forum, PIP Decisions are taking about 2-4 weeks at the moment.

As the length of the award is primarily a medical decision on how likely the claimants conditions are to improve of worsen, I would expect the DWP to follow the assessors recommendations.

Whilst we have seen some members being able to extend their PIP award when also challenging the Decision on the number of points awarded, I do have to warn you that we have not seen anyone increase the length of the award when requesting an MR solely for this reason.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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6 years 10 months ago #188885 by BaldRunner
Thanks Gordon,

Assuming that an award is granted, I wouldn't ask for a reconsideration of the award based on the review period.
I realise that to be awarded anything is a bonus under the current system.

Mark

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