ESA Medical Assessment

I have been ill-health retired/long term incapacity since 1997 and I will be 61 in June. I have had to fill in another 20 page form and now I have to attend for a medical. I originally lost my medical secretary job in February 1997 following 12 months off sick with a back problem which had been caused by me falling off a hospital bed following a colonoscopy investigation in 1994. I have had 4 medical assessments during these years the last one about 6 years ago.
It is patently obvious that no-one has read my form - the form asks for dates when you would not be able to attend for an assessment and I gave 5 dates, yes they have sent for me on one of these dates. Fortunately, with the assistance of my long-suffering hubby, I am able to do both appointments and I do not want to delay this appointment as it is causing me severe anxiety.
I filled in my form very comprehensively (wasn't a secretary for 30 years without learning a thing or two!) and cannot understand why they have to see me - I will be getting my retirement pension in September 2014. Unfortunately I did not find this site until after I had filled in my form and now I am looking for guidelines to help me with my aessment on Thursday.
My medical issues are low back pain including coccyx, sacroiliac problem, IBS (including incontinence), Hypertension, Diabetes type 2 on insulin, and most recently have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea.
Please direct me to the appropriate documents on the site to help me.

Hi Judith and welcome to B+W. This will help you find your way round the site

Welcome to Benefits and Work

Being awarded ESA has little to do with what conditions you have and everything to do with meeting specific descriptors

YOU need to score at least 15 points for the WRAG

Qualifying for the WRAG

The Support Group is not points based

Qualifying for the Support Group

This will tell you what to expect at your face-to-face assessment (I hesitate to call it a 'medical'!)

ESA Medical – What to expect

I suggest that you also re-read your copy of the ESA50 thoroughly before you go.

If you have any further questions please come back and ask them on this thread. You will find it easily if you mark it as a 'favourite'