"Did not report significant functional problems" (PIP Assessor Report)

AntrimDave

Can anyone tell me if this phrase (on the Consultation Report from the Assessor and endorsed at Mandatory Consideration) relates to the physical ability to carry out the activity or should in consider emotional aspects too?

Any advice appreciated. 

Thanks in advance

JonnycJonny

By "no significant functional problems" they are saying that you have failed to show how a physical impairment or a mental condition ( not the clinical diagnosis itself )  prevents you from carrying out an activity to an acceptable standard ( reliably , repeatedly, safely ) or you do not require supervision, prompting or assistance from another person to carry out an activity to an acceptable standard ( reliably , repeatedly, safely )

Hope that helps.

Best wishes 

AntrimDave

Thank you. That is appreciated. Application states and Assessor has noted (for example) claimant (autistic) is afraid in the kitchen and can't use cooker, hob, kettle or microwave for fear of being injured by heat. All activities have details explanation. It appears assessor simply does not accept evidence and that has cascaded right though. Gives us hope for tribunal.
Thanks again. 

OverlyAnxious

AntrimDave said:

Application states and Assessor has noted (for example) claimant (autistic) is afraid in the kitchen and can't use cooker, hob, kettle or microwave for fear of being injured by heat. All activities have details explanation. 

Unfortunately that isn't evidence.  It's just an assertion.

This is one of the difficulties with mental conditions and PIP.  If a claimant suggests they can't do something through fear alone, but haven't actually injured themselves doing it, it is generally considered that they 'could' do that task.

The claimant really has to show a functional impairment for the task - so for example, hands shaking so much they are likely to get burnt by splashing hot water or blurred vision meaning they could accidentally touch a hot object.  Have to find the 'physical' limitations for the task, even when they are triggered mentally.

AntrimDave

Thank you. That is very helpful indeed. I can work with that. The barriers are emotional but when those barriers are encountered there are physical signs of the tension and frustration they generate. I came to it late but will get the evidence to support the markings which are appropriate.

Thanks again. 

poppy123456

It is also worth pointing out that you can't make the descriptors fit you. 

AntrimDave

Absolutely. Could not agree more. I won't need to do that.

Thanks

Bydand

poppy123456 said:

It is also worth pointing out that you can't make the descriptors fit you. 

That should maybe be ..you SHOULDNT make the descriptors fit you.