Condition Change

Hi ive just recently found out that for last 3/4 years ive been diagnosed with COPD and now this is not the case ive been diagnosed now with Interstitial Lung Disease (ild)& Pulmanory Hypertension.This has got me into the support group from wrag on renewal with out medical,but should i inform DLA about this change of condition although it doesnt change any care or mobility needs.


Many Thanx. ALLAN

Thank you for a quick reply Gordon I better get intouch with DLA and tell them.


Thanx.ALLAN


PS.the new scoring for PIP is terrible.

Changes in diagnosis do not necessarily need to be reported to DWP unless that diagnosis is likely to affect the rate of DLA you receive, i.e. an increase or a decrease.

With DLA, diagnosis is secondary, what is paramount is the level of care and/or mobility needs.

From Steve Donnison's fact sheet in the Members only area.

What counts as a change of circumstances?

The law says that you should inform the DWP of any ‘relevant’ change of circumstances. A relevant change of circumstance is one which has the potential to change your DLA award, even if in the end it doesn’t do so. Improvements or deteriorations in your condition can both be relevant changes of circumstances.

In practice the DWP don’t mind if you fail to report a deterioration in your condition in relation to a DLA claim, because you’re the only one who’s losing out. But you must report a ‘relevant’ improvement in your circumstances. However, if you have a fluctuating condition, an improvement in your condition lasting a few days or weeks should not be regarded as a ‘relevant’ change.

Having contacted the DLA Unit at Warbreck House, Blackpool, they have assured me that a change in diagnosis does not count as a change in circumstances unless
the change may lead to a change in disability and/or care needs which could affect their current award of DLA.

To use my husband Jim as an example, he has been in receipt of DLA HRM & HRC
components since DLA was introduced in 1992. Prior to DLA, he received Mobility Allowance at the highest rate and Attendance Allowance at the highest rate due to MS and severe respiratory problems needing domiciliary oxygen.

In April 2011, he contacted the DLA Unit to advise them his condition had worsened due to suffering torn cartilage and ligaments of his left knee, requiring surgery.

He was advised that as he was already in receipt of highest rate of care and mobility components of DLA, it was not necessary to advise them of a new diagnosis.

I hope this clarifies the situation for members on a change in condition, or new diagnosis.