PIP assessor report.

tranch88

Do I have to do a full and complete MR if I only disagree with one section of the assessors report and points scored for that one section? 

I've had some terrible assessors in the past so didn't have much faith after a recent telephone reassessment. However, it went better than expected. But not perfect.. I've been scored 11 points for the daily living component, with only one unsatisfactory section score. The logic used also doesn't add up. 

(9)Engaging F2F with others...

She acknowledges that my history shows social anxiety, that I avoid such interactions but only gave me 2 points for 'needs prompting'..
Despite me being explicitly stating I cannot talk to people, known or otherwise without social support. Anxiety, agoraphobia and panic attacks make it pretty hard to converse a lot of the time. She then goes on to state that 'social support' was considered but ruled out. She further states "IO shows that although mum was present,  she was not heard to offer any verbal support and did not speak at any time in the assessment.

It seems she made her mind up about my FACE TO FACE interaction ability on the basis of me being able to talk over the phone lol. Also, my mum was there but she was writing things down instead of speaking as she didn't want to disrupt the process. FYI, a 2020 tribunal awarded me 4 points in the category and 12 points overall, whereas she only scored me 2 points and 11 points overall.

It kinda feels like it's been done on purpose to put me on a lower rate tbh. I now don't know what to do! Do I just leave it and accept the lower rate or do i risk the whole claim and ask for an MR? And how do I go about it? Do I question the flawed logic? Point them towards the 2020 tribunals point scores?? 

Apologies for the essay but I'm in a bit of a panic over it all and could do with some sound advice. 

Cher_Alumni

Hi @tranch88 and never apologise for 'writing an essay'! It's good to articulate ourselves in writing and helps us better understand your situation having that extra detail.

If you decide to pursue a MR, you would need to focus on the disputed descriptor and then cite that the points-based disability test has not been applied properly in this instance because <insert your explanation, giving examples of why you warrant a higher award, with anecdotal evidence to justify>. You can mention that you are happy with the other points you were awarded.

If you can get supporting evidence from your mum to reinforce the level of social support she provides and the ways your condition impacts your functional ability to complete the particular activity reliably, all the better. Remembering an activity is considered satisfied if it can be carried out safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in reasonable time. 

I hope that helps and please let us know how you get on 

poppy123456

Once the decision is made if you're not happy then yes you will need to request the MR. Not sure what you mean about a full MR, then MR is just that.

The most likely MR outcome will be the decision remains the same. If this happens you can proceed to Tribunal. You can't request the Tribunal without going through the MR process first.

tranch88

Thanks for the informative replies. I've had chance to calm down a little now lol. I'm going to seek out further advice from my local CA offices but I'm currently leaning towards just accepting it. It's a lot of money to miss out on but I'm not sure it's worth the many more months of stress and worry. It's absolutely horrific how they keep getting away with things like this though! 

Anyways, thanks again for the replies  

TerryG

Tranch 88,DO NOT JUST ACCEPT the decision,if you have a history of problems that have not improved,but stayed the same,do the Mandatory,this will probably not be over turned,then go to the tribunal,the MR is within the same organisation,so they are biased,at the Tribunal you have totally independent professionals reading your paperwork,they have no allegiance to the DWP, I had to do the tribunal,I sent in letters over 3yrs,MH report,xray results,also a letter where you can tell them how each day affects you.My tribunal outcome was not to review me for at least two years,be brutally honest in the letter if it goes to the tribunal.

PWM1

tranch88 said:

Do I have to do a full and complete MR if I only disagree with one section of the assessors report and points scored for that one section? 

I've had some terrible assessors in the past so didn't have much faith after a recent telephone reassessment. However, it went better than expected. But not perfect.. I've been scored 11 points for the daily living component, with only one unsatisfactory section score. The logic used also doesn't add up. 

(9)Engaging F2F with others...

She acknowledges that my history shows social anxiety, that I avoid such interactions but only gave me 2 points for 'needs prompting'..
Despite me being explicitly stating I cannot talk to people, known or otherwise without social support. Anxiety, agoraphobia and panic attacks make it pretty hard to converse a lot of the time. She then goes on to state that 'social support' was considered but ruled out. She further states "IO shows that although mum was present,  she was not heard to offer any verbal support and did not speak at any time in the assessment.

It seems she made her mind up about my FACE TO FACE interaction ability on the basis of me being able to talk over the phone lol. Also, my mum was there but she was writing things down instead of speaking as she didn't want to disrupt the process. FYI, a 2020 tribunal awarded me 4 points in the category and 12 points overall, whereas she only scored me 2 points and 11 points overall.

It kinda feels like it's been done on purpose to put me on a lower rate tbh. I now don't know what to do! Do I just leave it and accept the lower rate or do i risk the whole claim and ask for an MR? And how do I go about it? Do I question the flawed logic? Point them towards the 2020 tribunals point scores?? 

Apologies for the essay but I'm in a bit of a panic over it all and could do with some sound advice. 

PWM1

Hi Tranch,

I am going through something very similar, I am taking my claim to a tribunal.

I sent in medical records from specialist, doctors, hospital reports and so forth.

I have COPD, Emphysema, liver and abdominal issues. They awarded me the standard mobility rate 8 points and only 6 points in total for how things affect my daily living. It seems quite apparent the PIP medical assessors are trained to give low scores. My disease has caused me to get depressed, I too suffer from anxiety but they have totally disregarded most of my input. My medication list is massive, and some of the the drugs are very powerful. I got 2 points for dressing, 2 points for bathing, 2 points for cooking and preparing food, despite the fact my wife told the assessor it's a danger for me to use the hob and oven.  

My wife has to help me get fully dressed and undressed, she washes my entire body and hair because I can not do anything physical it drains my body of oxygen, my lungs are only working at 45% capacity. I can't stand for more than three minutes, it's impossible to cook a meal and I am unable to go out on my own for fear of fainting. 

The PIP medical assessors are a disgrace to genuine sick and ill people. 

You have nothing to loose from appealing DWP decision if your claim is genuine. 

Good luck

Kind Regards

Paul.