ME/CFS - Been refused DLA - Advice needed

I applied for DLA recently after my diagnosis of ME a year ago. I have today received a letter advising i have not been awarded either care or mobility.

What i find strange is that the reasons outlined in their letter as to why i had been refused competely contradict what i have said in my application form. For example:

"You do not need any help with medication" I stated in my application that i needed reminding to take my medications daily.

"You are aware of common hazards"
I specifically gave an example on the form of where i left the hob on and a teatowel set on fire.

"You do not need motivating to and can can prepare a main meal"
Again i stated that on a bad day i cannot get out of bed and therefore cannot cook, and even on a 'better' day i need assistance and supervision.

Reading their explanation seems like they have not even read my application form, it may as well have been someone elses!! What i am concerned about is they advised they had a letter from my GP. Now this GP has only seen me a handful of times since my diagnosis a year ago, and only for medications - he has never asked me about how the condition affects my daily life, so how he has completed this form i don't know. He was initially supportive and sympathetic, But last time i saw him his attitude was different and he asked "Had i started thinking about work", (I am in assessment stage ESA) now i did see something on the computer about 'DWP' so i believe DWP had written to him by then.

I believe my form was very detailed and accurately described the difficulties i face day to day, i was honest and to the point, explaining the illness fluctuates. I also submitted my initial diagnosis letter from the consultant and a letter from my occupationa therapist which was written for my ESA application, advising of my symptoms and that work related activities at present would be counter productive.

So i am very puzzled as to how they are coming to these conclusions when my appication form is saying the complete opposite.

My main question is:Is it possible the GP has said different and they have gone with his advice?

I intend to appeal and fight this, and have requested a copy of the evidence they have used, so i will see what my GP has written, but i don't know where to start really as this is my first DLA application.

Also, what kind of evidence would the tribunal need? I intend to get some from my O/T and consultant but need to know what the tribunal would want.

Thank you in advance, any advice wil be much appreciated

Hi, Emma,

I wouldn't have any idea re your question about your GP, but, as regards the Tribunal, maybe this FAQ would be of some help:

Preparing for a Tribunal

There is also the B & W Guide for DLA Appeals:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/dla/#dlaappeals

Good luck

Hi Hayley,

I'm afraid that having just come out of hospital yesterday and having answered quite a few posts today, I'm too tired tonight to give a definitive reply.

Have a look through these threads on ME/CFS found using the 'Search Forum' facility
ME/CFS

If you don't find any relevant advice in the 133 hits, post again tomorrow and either I or one of the other moderators will try to advise you in general terms, as we cannot give advice on individual claims.

Good luck.

Jim

Is it ok to post this link to the ME info that DWP DM's use? I hope so
www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-g...e/care-and-mobility/

No problem Tilly Hope it's of help to Hayley and any other member with ME/CFS.