I have read in the PIP guides [which are superb, thank you] that the Assessor can't request additional medical information from my GP. However, they have. I presumed that this is because it wasn't requested during the initial claim process. Can medical information be gathered at the appeal stage?
Will this gathering of additional information delay the decision notification? It has already been 30 days since the appeal paperwork was submitted.
The appeal process is so stressful. Gosh, it is just hard work. Thank you for all your help; I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you guys.
The assessor can request additional information that is why they ask you for details of your doctor or any specialist who is treating you for a prognosis.
Appeals can take a long time to get a hearing date depending on where you live, although on the forum we have heard from members where it has taken only a few weeks. The last one I did took 8 weeks from submitting the appeal online to getting a decision, so it does vary.
I have attended Tribunals where it has been adjourned as the Chair wanted to see the claimants medical file, the claimant suffered from epilepsy, the chair received over 200 pages of medical evidence, we were awarded standard rate for both components.
The claimant had tried 3 times by themselves to apply for PIP and was going to give up when I got involved.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems