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PIP for deafness - anyone been successful?

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7 years 2 months ago #178828 by J
Yes our frind gets pip for deafness.
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7 years 2 months ago #178843 by Nickjb
Replied by Nickjb on topic PIP for deafness - anyone been successful?
Thanks J Richards - can I ask what rates they get please - am still waiting my assessment .....keen to know how others have done, thanks

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7 years 2 months ago #179422 by Nickjb
Replied by Nickjb on topic PIP for deafness - anyone been successful?
Well - I rang DWP today as I still have heard nothing since submitting my application and getting text on 25-11. I was surprisingly informed that a decision has been made without the need for me to have a medical! I was on Middle rate care and I have been transferred to Standard on PIP.
I am not sure if I am pleased or disappointed to be honest as I felt I made a really good case for higher rate care (communication and need for support when I go out due to anxiety) plus standard mobility.
So to appeal or not to appeal is my new dilemma! Paperwork not yet received but on its way... but ONE GOOD THING is that with all my evidence at least I got the same as before and no assessment - all this is down to this website so thank you all!
Any advice on whether to appeal is appreciated thanks all xx

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7 years 2 months ago #179442 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP for deafness - anyone been successful?
Nickjb

So congratulations on the award, well done.

Whether you should appeal is a decision that only you can make.

You need to be aware that both an MR and an appeal re-make the original Decision so it is possible for there to be a reduction in your current award or even it's removal, it doesn't happen very often, but it does happen and is something that you must factor in.

Two things to consider, how secure is your current award? For the Standard rates you need to have scored 8 points, so if your score were higher than this then you have a safety buffer if points are removed.

Secondly, are you able to score the extra points to give you an Enhanced award? Be harsh with your scoring as the DWP will be. Also, how many points do you need to score, if you already have 11 then getting a higher award will be easier (in principle), than if you only have 8 points and need to score another 4.

Gordon

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

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7 years 2 months ago #179457 by Nickjb
Replied by Nickjb on topic PIP for deafness - anyone been successful?
Thanks Gordon - once I get the paperwork I will do all this and consider the pros and cons carefully. Will be in touch again once get my letter with details of the award. I am still really pleased that I managed to achieve an award without an assessment :)
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7 years 2 months ago #179518 by Nickjb
Replied by Nickjb on topic PIP for deafness - anyone been successful?
Right - my award arrived today. I have the following comments/questions regarding this so hopefully by putting in bullet point form it will make any replies easier for respondents.

On a positive note I must stress this - I was awarded PIP at same rate as my previous DLA - standard care so I am no worse off and its until Jan 2027 which is absolutely brilliant in many ways!

I am considering requesting a MR because I only scored 8 points for communication needs which is what I expected on this point but I felt I should have scored 4 points for Mixing with People as I feel I can justify I need social support to engage with others due to my deafness (understanding and communicating independently) and the anxiety it causes me. This would give me 12 points for enhanced rate. I wonder if the fact that I was awarded ESA Support group at Appeal level in July 2016 for the anxiety I suffer as a result of my deafness adds weight to my argument here?

Also I feel I should get lower rate mobility as I feel I meet the criteria to score 10 points for 13d - cannot follow the route of an unfamiliar journey without another person. My argument here is centred around my deafness and the communication needs I have as a result of this and the anxiety I experience from this. I have submitted a professional report which states I have processing difficulties from my deafness which means as I get older I find it harder and harder to process any hearing from lipreading and amplification from my hearing aids. To put it simply, I wouldn't go to London on my own as my deafness prevents me from this. I cannot hear tannoys, struggle with hearing strangers at least 50% of the time and get so panicky I cannot cope so I just simply avoid it.

The pros and cons of appealing -
Cons -
I could lose my benefit - but feel it is well documented by professionals that this is a long term permanent problem that is worsening over time not improving especially with added anxiety issues.

I only got 8 points in initial award and am only asking for 4 points in appeal so I have no leeway to get marked down and still get higher award as the maximum I am aiming for is 12 points

Pros -

I could get a higher award that I feel I qualify for and demonstrate I meet

Someone mentioned that the Upper Tribunal recently acknowledged that someone with hearing impairment can score for communication needs and help mixing with others as these are independent of each other - of course if you can show you meet the criteria

By trying at least I know I have done my best as I scored 0 points on ESA reassessment but at appeal was put in Support group

At this appeal the judge asked me if I got DLA - I said yes she said let me guess you get middle rate care and lower mobility - so this is in my mind - did she think having read my reports and application I may be entitled to this (yes I know DLA is different to PIP but I have looked at the PIP criteria in making my case)

One question also please - if I decide to appeal the mobility and say I am happy with my care award will that mean they will leave the care award alone?

Sorry I failed to put the bullet points in after all - they didn't work but have spaced the text out for ease of reading.

Feedback from the Mods and members would be most welcome including any experiences people have regarding appealing. Thanks in advance everyone x

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