DLA increase to High rate mobility

I was successfully 'migrated' from IB to ESA Support Group back in August and was advised by my MS Nurse to inform DLA of my diagnosis 18 months ago, and that my mobility had deteriorated. I had been awarded Middle Rate Care and Low Rate Mobility indefintely back in 2009 and didn't want to rock the boat.

However, I wrote a letter in August and was sent a new form to complete. I didn't have any other evidence to send with it, so was expecting DLA to contact my GP or Nurse. I was told there might be a 12 week wait (which has happened) and was getting a little worried that my MS Nurse and GP hadn't heard anything.

The 'dreaded brown envelope' arrived today and I am delighted that I have been awarded High Rate Mobility and Middle Rate Care, indefinitely, back dated to September. They say they couldn't backdate it further as my notification was outside the 13 month limit, which is fair enough.

I am very happy to have the Mobility Rate increased as it will open other doors for me to get a Blue Badge, and I will now ask the County Council if I can have a parking space outside my house which would help enormously.

I am also impressed with the letter which tells me how the DM made the decision based on what I put on the form, including extra information, current treatment, medication, test results and symptoms. Most impressive of all, it is signed by a real person, with a typed name at the end!

I can only say to others that telling the DWP chapter and verse about how things are, repeating as necessary throughout the form, and writing in the box at the end may well be worth doing.

Also, I was not aware of the 13 month limit on back dating changes, so it would have been worth telling them sooner if I hadn't been so worried.

Nevertheless I am very content and hope my tale might help others.

Thanks B&W for such a great website sharing all your knowledge.

Congratulations madderbat!

Best wishes,
Rachel