no visual catagory on the gp form?

the question I would like to ask is, in the medical questionnaire for GPS re ESA, is it me, or is there no reference to visual impairments, and if not, then how are visual impairments notified to the ESA decission makers? is it just done by certificate of visual impairment only??



thanks.

martin wrote:

the question I would like to ask is, in the medical questionnaire for GPS re ESA, is it me, or is there no reference to visual impairments, and if not, then how are visual impairments notified to the ESA decission makers? is it just done by certificate of visual impairment only??



thanks.

Hi M,

The ESA113 is the questionnaire that may be sent to a claimant's G.P. regarding their ESA Assessment, (WCA).

See the ESA113, here :

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/esa113-interactive.pdf

Below are the headings of Q2,

Condition and date of diagnosis.

Symptoms and signs.

Investigations and management,including medication.

So there is indeed the facility on the ESA113 for the G.P. to give details of any medical conditions suffered by the patient.

Cheers

bro58

hi. thanks for this. i was concerned, as though i tried to access the accessible version of the pdf, i could not find a check box for visual impairment, everything else seemed to be there. i just hope they are not sweeping visual issues under the carpet, as they have already tried to do with the new esa fifty.

Unfortunately there's no direct read-off in the limited capability for work test between level of sight loss and any particular descriptors.

The idea is that a person who has been blind for many years should have adapted to their condition, whereas a person who has lost their sight comparatively recently would have more difficulties. Which is all very well, and true as far as it goes, but ignores the very real barriers and difficulties caused by sight loss that will never go away. Contrary to DWP view, there is no magical 'adaptation' that means a long-term visually impaired person no longer needs extra help and support.

This fallacy about the effectiveness of 'adaptation' can be seen in the DWP's opinions of the effects of other disabilities as well.

However, the ATOS HCP should be aware of the level of a person's sight loss in order to make a proper assessment. This is one example of the usefulness of the system of certification and registration of sight impairment - the certificate of visual impairment (CVI) provides a nationally standardised record of a person's level of sight loss, for the purpose of classifying people as 'sight impaired' (partially sighted) or 'severely sight impaired' (blind).

Although there's no automatic entitlement based on registration status, an up to date CVI provides very useful objective (and unarguable) evidence.

TR's post here :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=vie...id=10&id=83232#83232

Is encouraging for members with visual impairment,

bro58