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Does DWP disregard all old supporting evidence?

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3 years 4 months ago #265142 by Faith
Replied by Faith on topic Does DWP disregard all old supporting evidence?
Hi Phrank,
Yes, exactly, I agree with all of your conclusions!

Hi Gary,
I guess if a claimant undergoes a face-to-face or telephone interview and the resulting report concludes that they are still eligible for PIP, then that report is enough new evidence to satisfy the DWP. I can understand how, in that case, a claimant could submit no new evidence but still retain their award/s because the DWP considers the consultation report to be sufficient new evidence. However, have you (or has anyone else) ever known anyone to go through a paper-based PIP review, and submit no new evidence, and still retain their award/s?

Sorry to keep on about it but I'm panicking so I would really appreciate hearing about people's experiences.
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3 years 4 months ago #265147 by redfeend
Replied by redfeend on topic Does DWP disregard all old supporting evidence?
Hi Faith,
I can’t answer your question, but I am worried about lack of new evidence too. I have not been able to see my GP since lockdown last March. My GP practice is being run by practice nurses. I have had no contact with anyone regarding my disabilities. I looked at the GP descriptors letter on this site. There is NO way my GP practice would a) know the answers or b) even read such a long form, let alone fill it in, however much I paid them.
I’ve even tried to find a private GP to throw money at the problem. Such doctors may exist in cities, but not in East Anglia.
I am at a total loss as to where to get new evidence. I shall be asking my osteopath, who is seeing patients in person. However, I’m ill with bacterial sinusitis on top of a virus. I’m not sure how long DWP will wait for documents I say I’m sending in, when I don’t know when I’ll be well enough to go out to see the osteopath. Being unable to see a GP since Covid has made my PIP renewal even more of a worry than ever.
Good luck with yours.
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3 years 4 months ago #265159 by LL26
Replied by LL26 on topic Does DWP disregard all old supporting evidence?
Hi redfeend, Faith,
Concerning new evidence, I think the real answer to this depends on the nature of your disability. If you have something progressive like MS, or something chronic like blindness, these things tend not to improve, so new evidence isn't the deal breaker. However, eg a bad back can easily improve, and indeed often does, so however bad the back is, DWP will think this condition doesn't normally last this long, so we need evidence to make sure. No evidence, no points!
OK, so getting a private medical report may assist, and of course may also be helpful in suggesting different treatment etc. (So dual purpose!) If going privately, make sure you are totally aware of all the fees in advance, as these can be quite hefty.
Certainly mention to DWP that you haven't been able to access your GP due to Covid. Instead of a GP letter, you could get a copy of your GP notes. If none of these can be accessed, then a statement from a friend or relative and or a disability diary can be helpful alternatives.
I hope this helps.
Good luck to you all.
LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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3 years 4 months ago #265161 by phrank
Replied by phrank on topic Does DWP disregard all old supporting evidence?
Hi all,

Personally, I dislike the term 'evidence'. Although it is correct insomuch that it is official confirmation of whatever you are trying to prove, it evokes images of courtrooms and other crime scenes.

I try to avoid it wherever I can and just refer to things like 'supporting letters' which make them sound less menacing.

Just my personal feelings but there you are.

Regards,

Phrank.
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3 years 4 months ago #265164 by Faith
Replied by Faith on topic Does DWP disregard all old supporting evidence?
Hi Michael,
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience! You have given me hope :)


Hi redfeend,

I have not had any appointment with a GP since 2017 but I contacted the surgery and requested a medical report. The administrator then emailed me a "Patient Summary" which contains some basic info about my health problems and treatment. My Patient Summary is full of errors and omissions but yours may be far more helpful so it's worth requesting it.

Also, it's possible to have an online video consultation or phone consultation with a private GP through MedicSpot. The appointments are £49 and "sick notes" are £15 so it might be worth emailing or calling them to ask if they could write a summary of your health issues to submit with your form? I have never used MedicSpot so I have no idea how good it is but the reviews are promising. Appointments are available from tomorrow onwards. I'm not sure if we're allowed to share links but I will try to put a link to MedicSpot's website, below:

www.medicspot.co.uk/video#book-now

If you request a Patient Summary and/or get a supporting report from MedicSpot, let us know if it's helpful?

Wishing you the best of luck! :)
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