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ESA - confused about cognitive impairment
- Faith
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2 years 2 months ago #274888 by Faith
ESA - confused about cognitive impairment was created by Faith
Hi again,
Ever since childhood, I've had anxiety and insomnia. As an adult, I also have FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome).
As the ESA form separates physical conditions from mental conditions, I have the following questions:
1. Does DWP consider FMS to be a purely physical condition?
2. I have cognitive impairment, caused by the FMS and the insomnia. Also, when I have to engage in social contact, my anxiety sky-rockets which hugely worsens my cognitive impairment. Should I mention the cognitive impairment re "coping with social situations" or will DWP consider it irrelevant (in my case) because, for me, it's primarily caused by the FMS and insomnia?
Any advice greatly appreciated!
X
Ever since childhood, I've had anxiety and insomnia. As an adult, I also have FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome).
As the ESA form separates physical conditions from mental conditions, I have the following questions:
1. Does DWP consider FMS to be a purely physical condition?
2. I have cognitive impairment, caused by the FMS and the insomnia. Also, when I have to engage in social contact, my anxiety sky-rockets which hugely worsens my cognitive impairment. Should I mention the cognitive impairment re "coping with social situations" or will DWP consider it irrelevant (in my case) because, for me, it's primarily caused by the FMS and insomnia?
Any advice greatly appreciated!
X
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- LL26
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2 years 2 months ago #274891 by LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by LL26 on topic ESA - confused about cognitive impairment
Hi Faith,
I wouldn't worry unduly what DWP think, the NHS website for fibromyalhia clearly lists a number of symptoms which includes fibro fog.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/
The conditions listed lnclude depression/anxiety.
You may wish to cut and paste the NHS website paragraphs and include them on a separate page. Explain how your symptoms fit with the NHS list.
I'm aware that several people with fibro have varying days. Bd sure to explain this properly if so.
Explain what drugs you take, and explain why only basic meds are used if this is the case. Otherwise explain that you need eg high level pain killers to help.
Think about fatigue and whether you could do all relevant tasks across the day. Remember that the WCA test is designed to test what could be your job for the day, eg filing , using a pen and paper to tick boxes on a check list etc. Other descriptors are necessary 'skills' eg being able to get to the front door and canteen or toilet. Being able to converse with people...Even if you could do one or two tasks can you do them all, each day? If fatigue/anxiety/pain compounds your ability to perform tasks remember to include this as even if you don't score enough points, you might be able to argue a substantial risk to yourself (or other) if found fit for work/work related activity- the adverse effect of tiredness and anxiety could wirsen pain and be detrimental to your health, especially if you need to pace yourself.
If you use a separate page label this clearly with your name and NI number.
I hope this helps.
LL26
I wouldn't worry unduly what DWP think, the NHS website for fibromyalhia clearly lists a number of symptoms which includes fibro fog.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/
The conditions listed lnclude depression/anxiety.
You may wish to cut and paste the NHS website paragraphs and include them on a separate page. Explain how your symptoms fit with the NHS list.
I'm aware that several people with fibro have varying days. Bd sure to explain this properly if so.
Explain what drugs you take, and explain why only basic meds are used if this is the case. Otherwise explain that you need eg high level pain killers to help.
Think about fatigue and whether you could do all relevant tasks across the day. Remember that the WCA test is designed to test what could be your job for the day, eg filing , using a pen and paper to tick boxes on a check list etc. Other descriptors are necessary 'skills' eg being able to get to the front door and canteen or toilet. Being able to converse with people...Even if you could do one or two tasks can you do them all, each day? If fatigue/anxiety/pain compounds your ability to perform tasks remember to include this as even if you don't score enough points, you might be able to argue a substantial risk to yourself (or other) if found fit for work/work related activity- the adverse effect of tiredness and anxiety could wirsen pain and be detrimental to your health, especially if you need to pace yourself.
If you use a separate page label this clearly with your name and NI number.
I hope this helps.
LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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