Appeal Quandary

I am in a quandary about whether to advise my son to appeal or not.

He had an atos medical the end of August and has just received word that his income support will end and he has to reapply for jobseekers allowance.

He was 13 when his education ended and he became housebound due to ME and the still on going physical and mental difficulties that the fluctuating symptoms cause. Now in his early twenties, as well as daily ME symptoms, he is unable to go out unless someone is with him, finds it difficult to deal with people and is very socially anxious.

I thought that this came across clearly at the medical and would combine to hopefully place him in the WRAG group where he would at least get so called 'help and support' to build his shattered confidence and non existent skill set towards being able to work but his points score was listed as 0 for physical and mental health capabilities.

The ordeal of the medical devastated him and he is so low physically and mentally he is back on anti-depression meds again. From reading posts here I don't think he could cope at all with a tribunal.He felt worthless and a parasite before now he feels as though they are saying he is not ill after his life has been and continues to be so blighted. If it was up to me I would appeal.

My question is - is there anyway to find out what the atos doctor submitted?
Thanks

beekles wrote:

I am in a quandary about whether to advise my son to appeal or not.

He had an atos medical the end of August and has just received word that his income support will end and he has to reapply for jobseekers allowance.

He was 13 when his education ended and he became housebound due to ME and the still on going physical and mental difficulties that the fluctuating symptoms cause. Now in his early twenties, as well as daily ME symptoms, he is unable to go out unless someone is with him, finds it difficult to deal with people and is very socially anxious.

I thought that this came across clearly at the medical and would combine to hopefully place him in the WRAG group where he would at least get so called 'help and support' to build his shattered confidence and non existent skill set towards being able to work but his points score was listed as 0 for physical and mental health capabilities.

The ordeal of the medical devastated him and he is so low physically and mentally he is back on anti-depression meds again. From reading posts here I don't think he could cope at all with a tribunal.He felt worthless and a parasite before now he feels as though they are saying he is not ill after his life has been and continues to be so blighted. If it was up to me I would appeal.

My question is - is there anyway to find out what the atos doctor submitted?
Thanks

Hi,

Yes, your son can request copies of his Work Capability Assessment medical form ESA85/85A) together with the statement of reasons of how the decision was made (ESA65).

However if thinking of appealing or asking for a reconsideration you are time limited to one month from the date of the letter informing him he was found fit for work.

Generally we do advise people to appeal as a reconsideration is done as part of the process anyway

One can either ring and request an appeal form GL24 or download one from here:

- www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/gl24dwp.pdf

It is possible to have an appeal 'on paper' only where your son would not have to attend, however generally these are less successful than an oral appeal where your son would have to attend and answer questions of the panel.

Pete

Thanks for the info Pete
I know the clock is ticking and if it were down to me alone we would appeal.
It is heartbreaking to see him abandonned
when he should be in a group giving him help and encouragement-