ESA medical

Nikki.B wrote:

I went to my GP today and while I was there, I asked for a sick note which Jobcentre plus said I would need while waiting for the appeal. I'm a little confused, I thought I would just need a normal sick note regarding my conditions, but the doctor I saw has told me that they have to write a specific type of sick note. He has cited chronic fibromyalgia, and said that should my appeal fail, that they will not be able to write another sick note using that condition. It has to state "requested by the esa as going through appeal process." I asked him for a supporting letter so that they had it along with my appeal, but he said I didn't need it until 2 weeks before the tribunal.
I realise you can't comment on specific cases, I'm just a bit confused.

Nikki

I'm afraid your GP has been reading too much DWP literature recently.

The comment from the Fit Note derives from a letter that the DWP send your GP if you are found Fit for Work, telling them they should stop writing Fit Notes unless it is for an appeal.

These instructions are not binding on the GP, and if they believe in their professional opinion that you are not fit for work, they should provide you with a medical certificate.

There is no requirement for them to mark your Fit Notes as "being for the appeal process", and should your appeal fail, you are perfectly entitled to re-claim using the same condition and there is no reason why your GP should not issue Fit Notes on this basis.

Regarding their providing you a letter for the Tribunal, whilst technically correct, in as much as the latest you should consider submitting evidence to your appeal is two weeks before the hearing, there is no reason why you should not submit your evidence before this date, in fact there is good reason to do so, as it might (small liklihood but not zero), provoke a Reconsideration by the DWP.

Gordon