Hi, my name is Kalps!

Kalps

Hi To Everyone,

I would like people's opinions/view on a topic regarding my joints. I've suffered a severe lower spinal injury in 2014 and have multiple (3+) compression fractures in my lower spinal lumber. This has left me extremely wobbly from the waist below and my knees bend backwards more than before and I now also have too much over roll in my ankles (over pronation). I currently see a chiropractor regularly and he has mentioned that I have a degree of hypermobile joints. A podiatrist surgeon has also said the same about my ankles. (I am due an operation soon for flat foot surgery). These conditions/symptoms cause me bad mobility issues and I always now operate out of fear and hypervigilance for the risk of falling and breaking bones. The mental impact its had in me is really bad leaving me very depressed and withdrawn. I do currently get PIP but only the standard rate (both components)but want to challenge them for the Enhanced rate as my conditions are worse. Can someone please assist/advise me in this and would I class as having hypermobile joints now due to my spinal injury. I'm quite stuck and don't know what to do. Thankyou. Kal. 

poppy123456

We are not medical professionals and can't give you any medical advice about your conditions. You will need to speak to your GP for this.

For PIP, it's not about a diagnosis, it's how those conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities. You mention challenging your current award which indicates you would like to request the Mandatory Reconsideration. (MR) You can only do this if the current decision was made within 13 months. Also they won't take into consideration any worsening of condition since the decision was made.

For worsening of conditions you will need to report a change of health condition. When you do this you'll be sent more forms to fill in and return with all your extra supporting evidence. Another assessment is most likely because most people have them.

A worsening of condition doesn't automatically entitle you to more points for a higher award. Once the decision is made it could either stay the same, be reduced, increased or you could even be refused completely, which means your PIP will end.

Before reporting changes, if you don't fully understand the PIP descriptors and why they mean you should get some expert advice from an agency near you. This link will help you find what's local to you. https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

Or have a read of this, it will hopefully give you a better understanding of the PIP descriptors and what they mean. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @Kalps and welcome to the community, thanks for taking the time to reach out. Our members are very knowledgeable when it comes to support for benefits queries, so don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions. 

If you feel your conditions are worse, you can report a change of circumstances to the DWP, but bear in mind that you will be reassessed so your award may be less, more or stay the same. 

How to report a change of circumstances

Contact the PIP enquiry line to report a change of circumstances.

Call the ‘PIP enquiry line’.

If you need someone to help you, you can:

• ask for them to be added to your call - you cannot do this if you use textphone
• ask someone else to call on your behalf - you’ll need to be with them when they call

PIP enquiry line
Telephone: 0800 121 4433
Textphone: 0800 121 4493
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

I'm sorry to hear about the impact all this is having on your mental health, have you spoken to your GP about how you've been feeling? 

The mental health charity Mind have some good guidance on self-care when you're feeling low, and you can always search for more support closer to you on Hub of Hope too. 

If you'd prefer to run through everything with one of Scope's advisers, you're welcome to call or email the Scope Helpline, I'm not sure if they are fully open today, but from tomorrow you should be able to get in touch if needed.

If we can help with anything else in the meantime, please let us know  
 

Kalps

Hi Poppy123456

My award is from 24/7/20 till 23/9/25. I had a telephone assessment on 24/9/21 of which a decision was made and I received the award letter 7/2/22. This stated both the standard rate and was backdated to start of claim (24/7/20). Initially it was declined but I went through a M.R and a tribunal awarded it. So in relation to your reply do I just need to inform them of 'Worsening Conditions' and fill out the forms they send. I've been putting this off for absolutely months for the intense fear/anxiety of the process again let alone losing any monies as this is my only income along with U.C. My muscoskeletal disorder is lifelong and won't change for the better even though I see a chiropractor in shear hope!! Look forward to your reply. Thankyou so much. Kal. 

poppy123456

You will need to do as i advised here.

poppy123456 said:

For worsening of conditions you will need to report a change of health condition. When you do this you'll be sent more forms to fill in and return with all your extra supporting evidence. Another assessment is most likely because most people have them.

Kalps

Thankyou muchly Poppy123456.

I really appreciate your posts of process of action. I will do this mid week with some confidence in myself albeit the fear and anticipation. Thanks again. Kal. 😊

Alex_Alumni

Glad to see you're feeling more reassured @Kalps, please reach out if you need anything further, and do speak to your GP if you feel you need support for you mental health too  

Kalps

Hi Alex, Thankyou for your replies. I see myself using this site more often. I do have a M.H nurse at my GP Practice. I'm due for a meds change soon. Regarding PIP can I also mention how my hypothyroidism and osteoporosis pain affects my day to day?? The world of disability is very new to me and daunting. Thanks, Kal. 

Alex_Alumni

Regarding your PIP, you can indeed talk about how the pain affects you day to day, especially with the tasks described in the descriptors, give examples of what happens when you try certain tasks, or what would happen if you were to try. 

You can ask for support anytime, just head over to our PIP category  

Kalps

Hi Alex, Thankyou so much fir this info. I've already printed off the length descriptors document the the H.P use to award points etc. It's huge.....47ish pages long!! Lot to read and try and digest and apply it to my worst day difficulties etc. I intend to call them today and simply mention I want to inform them of worsening conditions and to get the relevant forms sent out. I won't mention anything else over the phone as don't want to say anything wrong and jeopardise my current PIP. 

L_Volunteer

Have you managed to call them yet @Kalps and, if so, how has this gone for you? Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything we can do to support you 

Kalps

Hi L_V, Thanks for asking. Yes....on Friday I finally managed to get through to PIP. I simply stated that my conditions are worsening and can they send me out the relevant form to complete. I kept it simple as didn't want to say the wrong things on my call. I'm expecting it this week of which I'll complete it with help from the Community Advice Liason Service (C.A.L.S). 

Infact I have a further question...I get U.C with the LCWRA component. Would I qualify for a SDP (Severe Disability Premium) on top of this??? And do I have to inform DWP (U.C) that I'm in receipt of PIP (Standard for both components). Im not too aware/educated about the different benefits I can claim. I have Severe Muscoskeletal Disorder and its not going to get any better at all. Please can you help and advise. Very grateful in advance. 😊

poppy123456

Kalps said:

Infact I have a further question...I get U.C with the LCWRA component. Would I qualify for a SDP (Severe Disability Premium) on top of this??? And do I have to inform DWP (U.C) that I'm in receipt of PIP (Standard for both components). Im not too aware/educated about the different benefits I can claim. I have Severe Muscoskeletal Disorder and its not going to get any better at all. Please can you help and advise. Very grateful in advance. 😊

I hope you got some expert advice before reporting those changes to PIP.

There's no disability premiums payable when claiming UC so unfortunately you won't be eligible for SDP. This only applies to those claiming the legacy Income Related benefits such as Income Related ESA/JSA and Income Support.

https://www.gov.uk/disability-premiums

You can tell UC that you're claiming PIP, whether it will increase any UC entitlement will depend on your circumstances.

Are you claiming with a partner? If so and they look after you for at least 35 hours per week then they can claim carers element of UC.

Are you privately renting your home? If so and you're single and under 35 then you'll be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate of local housing allowance, instead of the shared rate.

If none of those apply then your UC will remain as it is.

boots

Hello I’m new

Kalps

Hi Poppy123456. Thanks so much for your reply. I will certainly get advisory help with the "worsening conditions" PIP form to fill and send. Infact I'll ask my chiropractor if he's willing to provide supporting documentation too. As for U.C, I guess I'll let them know too....im not sure if I've already informed them.