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Looking for advice to burden of proof on PIP change of circumstances
- Anthony
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1 year 10 months ago #277308 by Anthony
Looking for advice to burden of proof on PIP change of circumstances was created by Anthony
Hi all,
I have been putting this off for a while, but today, I finally bit the bullet & notified PIP that my condition is worsening. The reason I put it off, is I am between hospital appointments & getting proof of my condition may be difficult. When I first applied I sent in lots of proof & was awarded the lower rate of mobility only. I waited nearly 15 months to see a Rheumatologist as they thought I had Fibromyalgia as well. Turns out I don't have that & all of those feelings, fatigue, muscle aches etc etc are all to do with the mechanics of my back. I have now been re-referred on to Pain Management! I started there years ago. Anyway, as I say because it is so long between appointments & they want details now I am left with a dread that I will be refused & take away what I already have because of lack of proof. The advisor told me to make an appointment with my GP & get a letter which shows how I am affected. I am lucky in the regards that my doctors surgery is excellent & I have a phone appt in 2 weeks. Do you think a letter will be enough? Do I re-send all my original proof? Where else can I look for proof? If I have to get a private report, I will but do not want to waste money, time & more importantly my health & effort on doing so. Many thanks
I have been putting this off for a while, but today, I finally bit the bullet & notified PIP that my condition is worsening. The reason I put it off, is I am between hospital appointments & getting proof of my condition may be difficult. When I first applied I sent in lots of proof & was awarded the lower rate of mobility only. I waited nearly 15 months to see a Rheumatologist as they thought I had Fibromyalgia as well. Turns out I don't have that & all of those feelings, fatigue, muscle aches etc etc are all to do with the mechanics of my back. I have now been re-referred on to Pain Management! I started there years ago. Anyway, as I say because it is so long between appointments & they want details now I am left with a dread that I will be refused & take away what I already have because of lack of proof. The advisor told me to make an appointment with my GP & get a letter which shows how I am affected. I am lucky in the regards that my doctors surgery is excellent & I have a phone appt in 2 weeks. Do you think a letter will be enough? Do I re-send all my original proof? Where else can I look for proof? If I have to get a private report, I will but do not want to waste money, time & more importantly my health & effort on doing so. Many thanks
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- BIS
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1 year 10 months ago - 1 year 10 months ago #277311 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Looking for advice to burden of proof on PIP change of circumstances
Hi Anthony
I'm glad that you have a supportive doctor. Before your appointment, make a list of anything you would like the doctor to include in the letter about your condition. Hopefully, they will listen and write what you need.
Will the doctor's letter be enough? You can never tell. The fact is you can't magic evidence out of nowhere and if that's all you have, that's all you have.
One thing you could do as far as evidence is concerned is keep a diary for several weeks and send that in. We have had several members who say keeping the diary made all the difference to their successful claims. benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip There are examples and a template under PIP Diaries.
If you have any family members or friends who are aware of your condition and how it impacts on your life - they could write a supporting letter, commenting on some of the points from the PIP form.
Should you re-send your original proof? The DWP should have all your previous proof, but I know plenty of people who still send it in again because that makes them feel more comfortable.
Some people do get private reports, and that is an individual choice. Some people argue that the DWP don't take notice of such reports believing that someone has been paid to write something more favourable.
BIS
I'm glad that you have a supportive doctor. Before your appointment, make a list of anything you would like the doctor to include in the letter about your condition. Hopefully, they will listen and write what you need.
Will the doctor's letter be enough? You can never tell. The fact is you can't magic evidence out of nowhere and if that's all you have, that's all you have.
One thing you could do as far as evidence is concerned is keep a diary for several weeks and send that in. We have had several members who say keeping the diary made all the difference to their successful claims. benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip There are examples and a template under PIP Diaries.
If you have any family members or friends who are aware of your condition and how it impacts on your life - they could write a supporting letter, commenting on some of the points from the PIP form.
Should you re-send your original proof? The DWP should have all your previous proof, but I know plenty of people who still send it in again because that makes them feel more comfortable.
Some people do get private reports, and that is an individual choice. Some people argue that the DWP don't take notice of such reports believing that someone has been paid to write something more favourable.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 1 year 10 months ago by BIS.
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