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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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6 years 9 months ago #190780 by Kevin L
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was created by Kevin L
Hi all,

Does anyone know how M.E./CFS is viewed by the DWP? Do they take it seriously?

As well as listing the symptoms on my ESA50 should I mention M.E./CFS by name?

I haven't got a formal diagnosis yet but my diabetic consultant strongly suspects I may have this on top of everything else. Thanks.

Kev

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6 years 9 months ago #190786 by Griffinit
Replied by Griffinit on topic Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Can your diabetes supply any evidence in support of the probability of CFS? If it has not been formally diagnosed, you can't do more than say it is suspected but evidence of this is supportive of that claim. Have you talked to your GP about the possible CFS? You may want to ask for a referral so a formal diagnosis can be made. If you have CFS symptoms, I hope your life is not too badly affected.

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6 years 9 months ago #190787 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Kev

The DWP do treat ME/CFS seriously but the variability of the condition can cause problems in describing your limitations, my experience is that even Tribunals struggle with Post exertional Malaise, so you might want to include a brief reference document this with a link to the source.

One of things that you really need to do is establish the maximum you can do quite clearly or you risk them making assumptions, for PIP the test is the "majority of days" so I would avoid using percentages and refer to days a week or month and weeks a year. For ESA the test is less clear.

Be clear about rest periods and go into detail about how you are affected if you over do and how long the effects of your doing so can persist. For PIP having to take a break after activity can mean that you are not doing it reliably.

It's always a good idea to break the activities down into smaller tasks so you can be more explicit in the problems that you have.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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6 years 9 months ago - 6 years 9 months ago #190811 by Kevin L
Replied by Kevin L on topic Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Griffin wrote: Can your diabetes supply any evidence in support of the probability of CFS? If it has not been formally diagnosed, you can't do more than say it is suspected but evidence of this is supportive of that claim. Have you talked to your GP about the possible CFS? You may want to ask for a referral so a formal diagnosis can be made. If you have CFS symptoms, I hope your life is not too badly affected.


Thanks Griffin for your help and good wishes :)

I am contacting my diabetes consultant for supporting evidence so I can ask her to mention that she suspects CFS. She has referred me to another department for a diagnosis but unfortunately that may take some time before i get the appointment. I'm also seeing my GP about supporting evidence next week so I will also be mentioning the CFS then (it was only suggested last week at my diabetes appointment - which was before I received the ESA50).
Last edit: 6 years 9 months ago by Gordon. Reason: corrected quote

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6 years 9 months ago #190812 by Kevin L
Replied by Kevin L on topic Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Gordon wrote: Kev

The DWP do treat ME/CFS seriously but the variability of the condition can cause problems in describing your limitations, my experience is that even Tribunals struggle with Post exertional Malaise, so you might want to include a brief reference document this with a link to the source.

One of things that you really need to do is establish the maximum you can do quite clearly or you risk them making assumptions, for PIP the test is the "majority of days" so I would avoid using percentages and refer to days a week or month and weeks a year. For ESA the test is less clear.

Be clear about rest periods and go into detail about how you are affected if you over do and how long the effects of your doing so can persist. For PIP having to take a break after activity can mean that you are not doing it reliably.

It's always a good idea to break the activities down into smaller tasks so you can be more explicit in the problems that you have.

Gordon


Thanks Gordon. All of the above makes total sense and I will follow your advice. I will be very clear that at this stage it is suspected, and then list all the symptoms and their effects. I have quite a lot of other issues anyway so I don't think the "possible" CFS will make or break the claim because I had all my other issues when I last claimed and was put in the support group. It's possible that by the time I have the assessment I will have a diagnosis anyway,

My health issues are diabetes (hypoglycaemia problems), hypothyroidism, frozen shoulder, dupuytrens, dystonia, mental health (anxiety, depression) and the aforementioned possible CFS. I have not been claiming PIP as I didn't think I could get it as well as ESA - can I claim both?

Thanks, Kev

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