Mandatory reconsideration for PIP

I have had CFS/ME for 15 years and was on higher rate mobility and lower rate care with DLA, indefinitely. I have now had the result of my PIP application back and have been awarded no points for either.

I have just requested and received a copy of my medical report. Looking at the excellent B&W guide on challenging the medical report I can see that there are many avenues available! To start with, my medical evidence was not listed or mentioned throughout the report. Also, informal observations were inaccurate and musculoskeletal examination was incomplete eg. I was in a wheelchair and not asked to stand or walk, after which the HR concluded I could walk more than 200m, despite specific medical evidence from my GP saying that I could not reliably walk more than 50 metres!!

What I am wondering is should I go for discrediting the report generally at this stage, or should I deal with descriptors individually, or both?

Thank you for your help and experience.

Thank you Gordon. Do you happen to know whether my DLA will still be stopped on the date given, if I am applying for MR/appeal?

I was rung by the DWP on 30th June, after having requested MR. The person I spoke to was surprisingly helpful (!), although it remains to be seen whether what he recommended actually results in an award...

My assessment report was appalling, and clearly compiled by someone with no understanding of CFS/ME. I explained two of the report's failings to the DWP employee and he suggested that I send one letter to Atos/IAS, explaining why I thought that the report was not fit for purpose, and one letter to the DWP with additional medical evidence. My original medical evidence had not been taken into account, which the DWP accepted. I asked the DWP employee to take a quick look at my evidence to see whether it was sufficient. He looked at the evidence I had submitted, for three separate descriptors, and said that I probably needed additional evidence for two of them. He emphasized how important it is to cross reference the evidence to the particular descriptors that I think I meet, so I have tried to do this. He also made it clear to me (and I did not appreciate this) that the decision makers have no medical qualifications, so rely on the assessment report. He said that it was important when submitting my additional evidence that I use the phrase in the covering letter "Please ensure that this is seen by a medical professional".

I'll let you know how I get on. Just thought that the above info from the DWP might be helpful to others. Fingers crossed for a change of decision at MR. without having to go to the tribunal! I got the sense that this could be possible if the medical evidence fully supports the relevant descriptors. But I may be being optimistic...