Hi, my name is Slh2508! Is it worth me appealing through a tribunal or should I just leave it?

Slh2508

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 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

poppy123456

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-activities

To request the Tribunal you can do that online here. https://www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision/submit-appeal

Albus_Scope

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.