Hi, my name is Slh2508! Is it worth me appealing through a tribunal or should I just leave it?
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Slh2508
Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
Hi, I have been on this forum looking before hoping to get some advice now if possible please?
I applied for PIP August 2023, due to me suffering from MCTD (I have the following autoimmune diseases, Lupus, Sjoergens syndrome and Raynauds), and I have also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I applied for PIP as working full time is getting more difficult for me, exhaustion, joint swelling, constant widespread pain, memory issues, in addition to also suffering with insomnia. The medication I am on suppresses my immune system so I am always unwell and the memory issues I am finding day to day life a struggle.
I applied for PIP August 2023, due to me suffering from MCTD (I have the following autoimmune diseases, Lupus, Sjoergens syndrome and Raynauds), and I have also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I applied for PIP as working full time is getting more difficult for me, exhaustion, joint swelling, constant widespread pain, memory issues, in addition to also suffering with insomnia. The medication I am on suppresses my immune system so I am always unwell and the memory issues I am finding day to day life a struggle.
I went for the face to face assessment, where they basically stated I work way more hours that I am contracted, I can walk with ease, I am able to communicate my medical conditions with ease etc, etc.
they scored me zero points across the board. I then requested the reconsideration, which again they have agreed with the assessor and scored me zero. I outlined the inconsistencies from the report, and also stated how I feel daily and the struggle I have daily. I didn’t complete the physical assessment as the assessor stated she could clearly see I was in pain. This has been the first time that I have openly discussed my medical conditions, how I came to be diagnosed (which was through an incredibly traumatic experience) and I cried throughout the whole assessment as I felt someone understood. I was wrong I know now. I have gone through the consideration where they have upheld the decision. I don’t know if it worth me going to the tribunal stage of appeal I am physically and now because of this process, exhausted and just don’t know if it is worth it? I am feeling deflated where I have gone from feeling someone understands how I am struggling to feeling like I’m being made to be over exaggerating
Is it worth me appealing through a tribunal or should I just leave it?
im sorry for the rambling on I just feel as though I should just give up on this PIP as I don’t feel I am getting anywhere or believed that I am genuinely struggling with my medical conditions
thank you
they scored me zero points across the board. I then requested the reconsideration, which again they have agreed with the assessor and scored me zero. I outlined the inconsistencies from the report, and also stated how I feel daily and the struggle I have daily. I didn’t complete the physical assessment as the assessor stated she could clearly see I was in pain. This has been the first time that I have openly discussed my medical conditions, how I came to be diagnosed (which was through an incredibly traumatic experience) and I cried throughout the whole assessment as I felt someone understood. I was wrong I know now. I have gone through the consideration where they have upheld the decision. I don’t know if it worth me going to the tribunal stage of appeal I am physically and now because of this process, exhausted and just don’t know if it is worth it? I am feeling deflated where I have gone from feeling someone understands how I am struggling to feeling like I’m being made to be over exaggerating
Is it worth me appealing through a tribunal or should I just leave it?
im sorry for the rambling on I just feel as though I should just give up on this PIP as I don’t feel I am getting anywhere or believed that I am genuinely struggling with my medical conditions
thank you
1
Comments
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It’s not unusual for the MR decision not to change because most of them don’t.Chances of success are higher at Tribunal stage, providing you either appear in person or have video/telephone hearing. Then there’s a 68% success rate.
The only downside is that waiting times for hearings can be considerably longer so you could be waiting 9+ months.
It’s also worth remembering that PIP isn’t awarded based on any diagnosis. It’s how those conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities that matter.It would also be worth you having a read of this. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activitiesTo request the Tribunal you can do that online here. https://www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision/submit-appeal0 -
Hi @Slh2508 and welcome to the community. I'm sorry to hear you're struggling.
I can see you're already getting some top advice, but I just wanted to pop in and say hi and that I'm moving your post to the PIP category so more people will be able to see it. But I will add that tribunals may sound scary, but they're actually a lot better than normal assessments, so please try not to worry.0
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