Spinal Stenosis and work

JeffB

Hi SCOPE family,
I've been off work since late January due to severe pain from Spinal Stenosis. I went to the hospital last Monday in anticipation of having Nerve Blocker injections only to be told that the hospital had lost my notes, the same hospital number had been given to two different patients. This has added to delays of hoping to get back to work and now my position is going to be made redundant. I have applied for two other jobs and have been successful in both applications and have been offered the jobs however I'm really anxious that the current state of my health, this latest spinal stenosis is on top of a complicated lung condition as well as adult onset Hydrocephalus that appeared out of nowhere with no explanation as to how the hydrocephalus developed. 
There's a lot going on medically and I'm concerned that perhaps I have been too ambitious in applying for other roles purely out of the want and need to work for my family's sake.
Should I inform PIP about my recent stenosis? I'm currently only able to walk a very short distance with the help of crutches. Yesterday I had to visit the hospital for pre screening for the nerve blockers and the walking around the hospital has left me in a lot of physical pain. 

poppy123456

What award do you currently have for PIP? reporting changes means you will be sent more forms to fill in and return with all your information and any additional evidence to support your claim. 

You will likely need an assessment because most people have them. Once a decision is made your award could either remain the same, be increased, decreased or stop completely. 

A worsening of condition doesn't automatically entitle you to more points for a higher award. You must also have experienced the increased difficulties for at least 3 months. 

JeffB

Thanks for your reply, that's really helpful info, thank you .

JeffB

I currently have the enhance PIP. Its the mobility element that has changed since mid January which would definitely change the score. 

JeffB

I suppose my question really should be about applying for a Blue Badge.

poppy123456

Is that Enhanced daily living? You only said Enhanced PIP but there's 2 parts to PIP. As I advised for changes to your health condition you must have experienced worsening of condition for at least 3 months and expect it to last at least a further 9 months. 

You can apply for a BB without a mobility award but you'll need to look at the criteria for your local Authority because outside of automatically qualifying they all have their own criteria.apply-blue-badge

JeffB

I have the 2 enhanced levels of PIP 
but in order to apply for a blue badge it would appear I would need to contact PIP to reassess the mobility score. 

poppy123456

Are you saying that you already claim Enhanced for both parts? and you scored points for following and planning a journey for the mobility part? 

If so then it's very very very risky reporting changes when you already have the highest award. You risk losing everything you already have and that's a big risk. 

You can apply for a blue badge without a PIP award but you'll need to make sure you send evidence to support your claim. You maybe expected to attend an assessment with your Local Authority before a decision is made. 

JeffB

Oh that’s really good to know. I will definitely take your advice. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, I really do appreciate it. 

Have a great afternoon. 

poppy123456

You're very welcome! Thank you and you too.