Medical evidence

Kookee

Hi. I have received my PIP form. I have a basic print out from the GP listing my conditions, medication, the last consultation details. I also have OH reports, sick notes spanning the last few years, a mental health services referral (I’ve lost their assessment and subsequent referral back to the GP), a letter confirming I’ll be receiving counselling in due course and a pain clinic assessment. Is this enough do you think or should I ask for more details from the GP under the data protection act? Thanks in advance.

Kookee

Hi @woodbine Thank you. That’s useful advice. I’ll just send what relevant stuff I have (which doesn’t really seem much) and hope my answers to the questions are ok.

Kookee

Thank you @woodbine Yes, I’m aware of the descriptors and I’m also currently doing a diary. I applied two years ago and got zero points on everything. I was too poorly to apply for a MR. I didn’t send a lot to them last time in the way of official letters hence my wondering if I should be sending all what I have this time, even though it doesn’t state how the conditions effect me in relation to the descriptors. But I see now that they won’t make any difference.

poppy123456

The most important part of a PIP claim is the form you fill in. Do this will relevant information and include real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you will help. Adding detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were. You should aim for at least half an A4 side of paper per descriptor that applies to you.

Send the same evidence you previously sent could see another refusal even though it was 2 years ago that you were refused.

It's good to look at the descriptors but doing so without fully understanding them isn't helpful. It's easy to over score and even under score yourself. Having some understanding of what they mean as well as all other criteria is very helpful. Start here. 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 It's a lot to read through but worth doing so.

When you mentioned sick notes, if you're referring to fit notes then this is not classed as evidence for a PIP claim.

Kookee

Many thanks @poppy123456 I've actually been reading that link you sent earlier- it’s very useful. As for last time, I wrote a lot and gave plenty of examples. On the telephone assessment I tried hard to stick to the answers I’d provided on my form but I was flummoxed. It just felt like I wasn’t believed in anything I’d said given I got zero for all. I’ll also have a look at the report from last time and see what I can learn from that. While I’m here, I’m waiting for assessments for other conditions and I feel my issues may relate to these and I have possibly been misdiagnosed in the past, should I mention that? So for example, I suspect I have ADHD and have poor executive function meaning I really struggle with budgeting. Could I put that down or am I only to put the symptoms that cause this rather than the diagnostic factor?

poppy123456

The assessment is there for them to gather more evidence to support your claim. Trying to answer the questions with the same answers you put in your form isn't helpful because the reason an assessment maybe needed is because they don't have enough of information. You already gave that information in the form, so there's no need to try to give it again.

PIP isn't awarded based on a diagnosis. If you have difficulties completing an activity to the required standards then you need to tell them. You should include all the information about how you're affected, regardless of whether you think it's relevant or not.

If the worst happens, then I'd advise you to challenge that decision by requesting the MR, followed by Tribunal.

Kookee

Thank you for your advice, it’s really appreciated. I don’t understand your statement about them requiring more evidence however. I gave all relevant examples in my form, I explained my problems fully, I really couldn’t add anything else. I actually wondered if I’d written too much and that had gone against me somehow as I do have problems being succinct. Given my particular issues, verbal communication is very hard, I find it difficult to think on the spot and I struggle to be authentic. So with that in mind, prior to a face to face or telephone assessment I should go through all the questions again and come up with different responses/examples and provide these on the day? On a closing note, I felt my assessment wasn’t so much gathering new evidence but an exercise in fishing for inconsistencies and low level intimidation.