Virtually Unable To Walk

Hi. I've recently joined as a member and am currently completing the DLA claim form as caerfully and completely as possible. In effect, the claim will be for the higher rate mobility component, based on being "virtually unable to walk". the guides on the site are extremely helpful in this respect. However, having read the Decision Makers Guide (61276 - 61331)I am still uncertain as to what it is I have to show in terms of the requirements for virtually unable to walk. 61276 (2) seems to require ability to walk is limited in terms of: distance OR speed OR length of time OR manner and this seems to be supported by the flow chart at 61331. However I have the impression from the Benefits and Work Guides that the DM would take a more overall view of all four criteria (distance, speed, length and manner).

Could you please clarify if I have to demonstrate all four criteria or only one (as seems to be implied at 61276?

Thanks very much.

Virtually unable to walk - This test looks at your ability to walk out of doors on a normal flat surfaced pavement or road. All the following factors are taken into account :

distance walked
speed of walking
length of time taken
manner of walking

When stating how far you can walk remember that any walking done whilst you are experiencing severe discomfort does not count.

For example; you may be able to walk 100 metres but can only do the last 80 in severe discomfort. It would be reasonable in this case to say you can only walk 20 metres. Pain, fatigue and breathlessness are also considered when assessing whether or not you experience severe discomfort.

Thanks Jima1 - that was my impression despite what the DM Guide appears to state at 61276. I think my principal difficulty is around descriptively explaining the pain/severe discomfort I experience after walking 30-40 yards and how long it takes to recover before I can start to walk again - generally at least 10 minutes and sometimes more. Also that if I do re-start walking, I have the same level of severe discomfort immediately.

Thanks again