I had my PIP Tribunal last week and it was adjourned by the Judge, on the basis he said I may lose the award I currently had ( I had standard living, was trying for enhanced and standard mobility). I was waiting for the adjournment notice and it came today, and contained some slightly odd things in my opinion.
Firstly, the Tribunal on the day was only the GP and judge, there was no disability advisor, yet all the points that were at risk were on daily living descriptors that are the disability advisor’s area.
the first comment is that they did not feel my medical conditions would lead to the level of impairment claimed (though both the DWP Health Professional and the MR Case Manager felt they did). They accepted I had two medical conditions, both physical and well documented, but felt that they weren’t serious enough to merit my award.
There was a bizarre comment that they felt one of my physical conditions would only affect me for 7 weeks a year, with no context. Nowhere in my medical history, bundle etc is anything like this referenced. Can only be a subjective opinion by the GP.
A further comment was that although they accepted my second condition existed and caused me problems the severity was ‘unclear’ (though my medical docs and prescription records are pretty clear). This would put at risk the points scored with ‘aids’, again surely the disability expert’s area.
Another point was raised about the fact I worked. They seemed to have ignored all the details I submitted about work alterations, reduced hours etc completely, and accepted as fact a comment the HP had made about my job which was incorrect at the time and I had challenged this in my submission.
It genuinely seems they only looked at the DWP evidence, as nothing I supplied seems to have been considered. I’ve sent in endless medical docs, statement from my wife, a diary, prescription evidence, under the care of specialist evidence etc.
I was hoping for a little clarity, but this has only confused me even more! I’m not happy with the way this has gone, but am also reluctant to reinstate my appeal in case a new tribunal just follows the example of this one.
(They may not of course)
All views welcome 😊
