Reported no change but PIP rate increased

Hi everyone,

I have a query about my PIP decision. I was first awarded it in early 2019, enhanced daily living, standard rate mobility until early 2021, though this was extended a bit due to the pandemic. I was sent the review form a couple of months ago, sent back my evidence and was very happy to see that it has just been increased to enhanced mobility as well as daily living, until 2027 (I had no phone or face to face assessment, and I don't think it was sent to an HP, it was just awarded based on my evidence). I know I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, but I'm a bit worried as I reported no change across the board, described everything as before, I didn't state it was worse. I suppose one reason could be I have had an additional condition that is relevant to this formally diagnosed, whereas with my last claim, whilst I had the same problem it was not diagnosed officially yet. Could that be it? I thought it was meant to be more about impact than diagnosis.

Thank you

i think some of the rules/interpretation on mobility changed relitively recently. I am not sure of specifics and sure someone else will be able to explain more, but I know that a lot of people who didn't score cetain mobility points in the past are doing so now, esspecially on mental health grounds. Could his be something that could have effected your claim?

Alternatively I wonder if it's just a case of being down to the interpretation of a different decision maker giving you differrent points

Hi Matthew H and well done. You are right it is "supposed" to be about impact not label. But imho it is logical that if you have a diagnosis that matches your claimed practical difficulties, the usually sceptical assessors will find it easier to believe you.
This is why I am trying to psych myself up to put in a PALS complaint against a hospital rheumatologist who is not applying the criteria correctly [Beighton Scale if relevant to anyone ] for diagnosing Ehlers Danlos Hypermobility. To my knowledge alone two ladies have been refused and he was not positive in attitude to me either. Not good when one has already had to self diagnose and battle under covid for a GP referral while living with the effects....sure this applies to many conditions.
best wishes,
Denby

Hi Denby. I score 9/9… Do I get a prize???
I would recommend asking (your GP) for a referral to a MSK Physiotherapist. They will have more knowledge and will be able to help with letters etc. I had a great one in Manchester who was also an RA Advanced Practitioner. This was seperate from my Rheumatology people. I may have self-referred actually, but ask your GP also.
Not excusing anyone, but everyone has their own specialist area of expertise.
I have RA, Fibro & Hyper-Mobility Syndrome…. you’re no allowed to have all three