DLA and change of diagnosis

Hi,

I am wondering whether I should inform DLA of a change in my diagnosis. I had originally claimed DLA on the grounds of alcoholism, depression and anxiety. I was awarded lower rate care and mobility.

I underwent a detox a couple of months after my claim was made (claim made in February, detox April) and have remained abstinent since. However, I still continued to experience severe mental health problems despite no longer using alcohol (I had always insisted that my alcohol use was due to mental health problems, not that my mental health problems were only caused due to alcoholism), and was referred to my Community Mental Health Team. There a psychiatrist made a diagnosis along the lines of Bipolar II Disorder.

My question is, should I inform DLA of this diagnosis change? I am very afraid of taking any action that may jeopardise my claim, as I have much more to lose than most people, as I am an intercalating university student and my DLA is my gateway benefit to ESA and HB, and if I were to lose DLA I would lose all other benefits unless I decided to not return to my course altogether (jn which case I would cease being classed as a student and would be eligible for all normal benefits).

Also, when i made my claim I said I had suffered depression from March 2011 because this is when I first had a diagnosis. The reality is I have suffered depressive bouts from 2005 but I did not say this on the form as I thought it was based on diagnosis date (your guides suggest otherwise). Therefore my award was only made for 2 years, whereas for someone suffering more than 5 years the DWP guide says a 5 year award or an indefinite award is more appropriate. Could a different award period be given in a supersession if I informed them of my diagnosis change and a review was instigated?

Also, my original claim was decided using my own evidence and a report from my GP. Would a supersession automatically require a medical assessment?

ka wrote:

Also, my original claim was decided using my own evidence and a report from my GP. Would a supersession automatically require a medical assessment?

Hi k,

Not necessarily, but maybe. A face to face assessment should only be required if ATOS or The DWP feel that they do not have enough evidence already.

bro58

I've sent off for the original reasons why I was given the award and for the GP report to see what was said. They were aware that I had an upcoming detox when I originally made the claim.

This could be ridiculous if I lose my DLA for getting sober… but in many ways things are worse now than before, the alcohol really helped with many of the things I struggled with (particularly going out, social interaction - no problems with these after a few drinks).

ka wrote:

Hi,

I am wondering whether I should inform DLA of a change in my diagnosis. I had originally claimed DLA on the grounds of alcoholism, depression and anxiety. I was awarded lower rate care and mobility.

I underwent a detox a couple of months after my claim was made (claim made in February, detox April) and have remained abstinent since. However, I still continued to experience severe mental health problems despite no longer using alcohol (I had always insisted that my alcohol use was due to mental health problems, not that my mental health problems were only caused due to alcoholism), and was referred to my Community Mental Health Team. There a psychiatrist made a diagnosis along the lines of Bipolar II Disorder.

My question is, should I inform DLA of this diagnosis change? I am very afraid of taking any action that may jeopardise my claim, as I have much more to lose than most people, as I am an intercalating university student and my DLA is my gateway benefit to ESA and HB, and if I were to lose DLA I would lose all other benefits unless I decided to not return to my course altogether (jn which case I would cease being classed as a student and would be eligible for all normal benefits).

Also, when i made my claim I said I had suffered depression from March 2011 because this is when I first had a diagnosis. The reality is I have suffered depressive bouts from 2005 but I did not say this on the form as I thought it was based on diagnosis date (your guides suggest otherwise). Therefore my award was only made for 2 years, whereas for someone suffering more than 5 years the DWP guide says a 5 year award or an indefinite award is more appropriate. Could a different award period be given in a supersession if I informed them of my diagnosis change and a review was instigated?

From my experience, a change in circumstances doesn't necessarily depend on a diagnosis, DLA is paid because the claimant has mobility and/or care needs.

If the detox programme has resulted in a reduction in your needs, then you must notify the DLA Unit in Blackpool. Failure to do so could lead to further problems.