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Unable to attend medical assessment

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6 years 4 months ago #202045 by joannaroz
Unable to attend medical assessment was created by joannaroz
Hello

I have a question regarding inability to attend a work capability assessment. I had my first face to face appointment in the centre scheduled in October. In response to which I called to request a home appointment given my condition. I was asked to provide a doctor's letter to support my request. My doctor provided such explaining that due to the severity and instability of my condition travelling is not an option therefore she asks for a home visit. I provided the letter to the centre and I then got a call from them saying that they reviewed the request and that they refuse home visit so I have to come to the centre for my WCA but they are willing to provide a cab. My doctor's request specifically emphasised that I cannot use public transport or any other form of transport including cabs with my back problem. I told the centre that with my back it would be very difficult to travel, their response was to provide further evidence but then the lady on the phone said that home visits are mostly for people who have agoraphobia or are completely paralysed and therefore even with further evidence my request will most likely not be granted. She said it would be best to reschedule next appointment and try to attend it. I did just that but on the day of appointment I was unable to attend due to severe bad back and stiffness that left me completely immobilised. I called the centre to reschedule but was informed I can't do that anymore and that I will receive a letter in which I have to explain why I didn't attend. I am now very worried that my inability to attend the WCA will affect my Universal Credit I am in receipt of. I would be grateful if you could advise on the best course of action in order to ensure that my UC is not affected.

Thank you

Joanna

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6 years 4 months ago #202082 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Unable to attend medical assessment
Jo

From your post you have now failed to attend either of the two appointments that a claimant is allowed, one re-arranged appointment and an actual failure to attend, as a result Maximus will return your file to the DWP.

The DWP should write to you for your reasons for missing the second appointment but I'm afraid I think it likely that the DWP will now move you to a capable of work group.

You can challenge this Decision but may need to go to appeal which could take months. You can ask to be reassessed again, but would likely remain in the work capable group while this happens.

Was your GP letter explicit that you could not attend at Maximus's office? Did it say "could" or "may" have problems? Do you leave your home at other times, for shopping or GP or hospital appointments? If you do then you may struggle to convince the DWP that a home assessment is justified.

Gordon

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

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6 years 4 months ago #202100 by joannaroz
Replied by joannaroz on topic Unable to attend medical assessment
Hello Gordon

Thank you for your response.

My doctor said that 'I cannot attend at present as I cannot use public transport or any other form of transport including car'. these are the exact words my doctor used. My doctor also said that I have chronic back pain that is unstable. I suffer frequent severe exacerbation of back pain especially if I change my routine, even sitting for a little bit longer can make things much worse.

I do leave house to go to a local shop, which takes about 10-15 minutes to go and come back, but only on good days when I am mobile which is two to three days a week at most, on a good week. Most of my shopping is done online or done by a friend. I did explain that i have more bad days during a week, when I don't leave house and my back specialist confirmed in his letter that I do struggle with functional activities on daily basis, such as washing, cooking etc. I don't do them every day. This all information was provided in the questionnaire with supporting evidence. As for the doctor's appointments, my surgery is about 150 meters from my place and I walk there if I can leave house. I see my doctor rarely, roughly every few months, still often have to cancel and reschedule because I can't leave house. My doctor asked me to have phone appointments instead.

I do must say that I was not informed that this appointment is my last chance. The letter I received just said to let them know if I am unable to attend. It did not advise about the number of appointments a claimant is allowed. Also when I called the centre re their decision and what I should do next they did not tell me about this either.

In terms of my response to DWP once I receive their letter, what would you advise to write to make best case in my situation?

Thank you

Jo

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6 years 4 months ago - 6 years 4 months ago #202111 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Unable to attend medical assessment

Jo wrote: In terms of my response to DWP once I receive their letter, what would you advise to write to make best case in my situation?

Thank you

Jo


I would include the letter from your GP and an explanation of how you were on the day of the assessment, also what you wrote on the PIP2 in regard your mobility problems.

Gordon

PS - All posts are moderated and will not appear in the forum until approved by a Moderator.

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 6 years 4 months ago by Gordon.

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6 years 4 months ago #202119 by joannaroz
Replied by joannaroz on topic Unable to attend medical assessment
Thank you, Gordon.

I will do that. Would it help if I ask my GP to provide a note for the day I missed my appointment, explaining the condition I was in on that day? She understands my relapses,the issues I face on my bad days and how they affect my mobility.

Jo

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6 years 4 months ago #202129 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Unable to attend medical assessment

Jo wrote: Thank you, Gordon.

I will do that. Would it help if I ask my GP to provide a note for the day I missed my appointment, explaining the condition I was in on that day? She understands my relapses,the issues I face on my bad days and how they affect my mobility.

Jo


Yes if they are willing to write a letter without having seen you on the day.

Gordon

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