Confusion over PIP decision.

TMJ1993

Hi All,

New to the forums here, so I do apologise if this post should have been added as part of a post that is already open, I will learn as i go.

I have recently had a PIP assessment and was, much to my disappointment however expected, rejected for support.

A few points the DM raised which I didn't agree, which i'm sure we have ALL had, if you've had a decision rejected, but I am looking to get thoughts on ideas as I have to do the MR.
There was much in the decision that was not considered, but one of the big factors is on medication. I have PTSD, anxiety, depression and ADHD, with traits aligning with OCD and ASD (I'm trying to collect the whole alphabet it feels like)
I am in the early stages of trialing medication, I told the assessor I have 2 medications I need to take, daily.
One of which I take usually 4 days a week on average, as it falls in routine of work, but struggle with on the 3 days I don't work, and another medication, which should be taken daily, but I rarely take this (I have taken 6 tablets over 4 weeks), it's just something I struggle to be consistent with.
It was determined that because I am taking a medication, that I am able to manage.
In my head, if I am prescribed 2 meds, but only managing one somewhat okay, then wouldn't it suggest that I'm not managing medication that I am prescribed for more than half of the days.

(There are others, I would like opinions on, but will do this one by one to keep the original post from being a novel)

Thanks,
Thomas.

poppy123456

This will come under activity 3 managing therapy or monitoring a health condition. For medication it's a maximum 1 point. This can be scored if you either use an aid or need prompting, assistance to take that medication.

Whether it's possible to score this will depend on the reasons why either of those are needed. If you can manage your medication yourself then no points would be possible here.

Have 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

TMJ1993

Hi Poppy,

I appreciate your response, I have seen this document already and I am using it to prepare the MR.
It's disheartening how the "medical professionals" make you feel during these assessments.
I made a point of getting them to confirm that they are indeed a degree educated medical professional.
There is no time given to elaborate or to explain your difficulties, unless it possibly benefits a negative outcome, always being told "we'll come back to that later" but it rarely was the case.
At this point, I am just whinging, I don't think any other points I was concerned about are particularly relevant to include here. But again, I appreciate your response.

poppy123456

You're welcome. The most important part of a PIP claim is the form you fill in. If this form is lacking in detail, they'll need to ask more questions during the assessment. The more relevant information you give in that form, the less chance you have of having an assessment.

You are correct, there's never enough of time to go through everything during that assessment, which is why the form you fill in is so vital.