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Doctor's Letter
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2 years 6 months ago #272144 by Linda
Doctor's Letter was created by Linda
For my PIP appeal I gave permission for the DWP to contact my GP. I now have a copy of the letter my GP sent to the DWP and it completely contradicts my claim. I foolishly thought that the Doctor would answer specific questions but it turns out that transcripts of my telephone consultations were sent. The letter confirms my medications. It does however, contain numerous spelling errors and some mistakes about when my medication was increased and by how much. So two questions:
1. Is it worth continuing with the appeal [it's already been lodged]?
EG the letter sent by my GP refers me to training 5 times a week at home. This statement was made when my mental health was excellent, but my condition fluctuates and more recently it has been very down.
The letter also fails to mention my ADHD because "I'm not under CMHT". I was discharged to my GP because the service in my area was being cut!
2. Should I pay for a private letter from my GP? {Lord knows where I will get the money from, but I will get it some how.}
Is this the only way I can get 'medical' evidence I need to support my case.
I am so worried by all this.
Thank you for all your advice.
1. Is it worth continuing with the appeal [it's already been lodged]?
EG the letter sent by my GP refers me to training 5 times a week at home. This statement was made when my mental health was excellent, but my condition fluctuates and more recently it has been very down.
The letter also fails to mention my ADHD because "I'm not under CMHT". I was discharged to my GP because the service in my area was being cut!
2. Should I pay for a private letter from my GP? {Lord knows where I will get the money from, but I will get it some how.}
Is this the only way I can get 'medical' evidence I need to support my case.
I am so worried by all this.
Thank you for all your advice.
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2 years 6 months ago #272149 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Doctor's Letter
Hi Linda
I'm sorry this has happened to you. It's always a risk when a doctor writes a letter to the DWP without showing their patients because you have no control over what they say. The spelling errors don't matter (it's just unprofessional). You can easily submit your current medication levels along with your appeal information. Drs should get it right, but they don't always.
1. I can't tell you whether you should continue with your appeal, that unfortunately is a decision you have to make for yourself. Obviously having an unhelpful letter from your GP including transcripts does not help, but it doesn't mean their information is accurate and you can say that at a tribunal. You can also highlight that he didn't mention the ADHD. Everyone knows services have been cut across the country and many people are not being seen as they need to. Tribunals are stressful and only you know whether you want to put yourself through that.
2. Only you can decide if you want to pay for a letter from your GP. If you choose to do so, you need to be very clear in your own mind what you would like them to write and then talk to them to see if they would be willing to do so. (on many occasions I have written the letter that a claimant wanted for the GP and asked if they would be willing to write something similar - mostly they just ask for an electronic copy of the letter and put their name to it. However, I'm not saying this is easy and it is something I have done more than once. Some GPs are great - others are not so helpful and yours might decline as they have already submitted information to the DWP.
In terms of the appeal - I don't know whether you have an award or were turned down for one. If you have an award but are seeking a better one - the Tribunal will tell you if there is any risk to your current award and then you can withdraw it. If you haven't been awarded anything - you have nothing to lose, notwithstanding the strain and stress of it all.
BIS
I'm sorry this has happened to you. It's always a risk when a doctor writes a letter to the DWP without showing their patients because you have no control over what they say. The spelling errors don't matter (it's just unprofessional). You can easily submit your current medication levels along with your appeal information. Drs should get it right, but they don't always.
1. I can't tell you whether you should continue with your appeal, that unfortunately is a decision you have to make for yourself. Obviously having an unhelpful letter from your GP including transcripts does not help, but it doesn't mean their information is accurate and you can say that at a tribunal. You can also highlight that he didn't mention the ADHD. Everyone knows services have been cut across the country and many people are not being seen as they need to. Tribunals are stressful and only you know whether you want to put yourself through that.
2. Only you can decide if you want to pay for a letter from your GP. If you choose to do so, you need to be very clear in your own mind what you would like them to write and then talk to them to see if they would be willing to do so. (on many occasions I have written the letter that a claimant wanted for the GP and asked if they would be willing to write something similar - mostly they just ask for an electronic copy of the letter and put their name to it. However, I'm not saying this is easy and it is something I have done more than once. Some GPs are great - others are not so helpful and yours might decline as they have already submitted information to the DWP.
In terms of the appeal - I don't know whether you have an award or were turned down for one. If you have an award but are seeking a better one - the Tribunal will tell you if there is any risk to your current award and then you can withdraw it. If you haven't been awarded anything - you have nothing to lose, notwithstanding the strain and stress of it all.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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2 years 6 months ago #272157 by Linda
Replied by Linda on topic Doctor's Letter
Thank you for your advice and your support.
Linda
Linda
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