Industrial disablement benefit appeal/MR. The process/complaint

claire19_86

hi, I have applied for Industrial disablement benefit, for accident due to long Covid. I attended for f2f medical assessment which wasn’t so great I didn’t feel at all listened to and was rushed, the Doctor trying to type. Complicated as got back pay, then a letter with the award amount, then another letter of this is the back pay amount and this is your payment date and provisional award with review date next year. They’ve awarded a low percentage which I don’t feel is at all correct, far off the mark. I have pip and blue badge also as a result of my ongoing issues that aren’t so far improving, unable to work and lost career, impact all areas of my life and physical and mental health. I have asked for MR process. That is still awaiting any contact - it’s been complicated in that I rang ti discuss they said they’d call back to explain the decision in 24 hours that didn’t happen, I called they explained, well read the letter there and then. Then said I was upset with this and what Dan I do so they said MR, I said yes ok I don’t feel this is fair at all. Then told callback for MR would be within 3 days no call. Called again earlier this week, no note form last week on there to state MR, they’ve added this and told call back in 24 hours- Nothing. Called today to chase and they admit this is not great, also asked for copy of my medical report and then told this should have been sent with the award letter but nothing. Even given reference numbers for the page tk clarify by them and none match just award letter. So now I’m told I have to await the report to then they’ll call next week not sure if this is to check with the letter or for the MR that so far seems to not be actioned. Worried about the timeframe but it is logged so I’m told.

Anyone have any help with this situation? Would it go against me if I complain? How do I do this if not?

Any help with MR and process for low IIDB award? It’s upsetting and stressful with everyday my struggles continue and lots of medical appointments still.

Hard not to feel upset, insulted and downtrodden. Initially the letter they sent to say I have long Covid through contacting Covid through course and place of work causing my symptoms made me feel I was seen and understood some of my significant issues.

I suppose I should add they’ve taken some percentages off only small because I had asthma before - well managed and now I’m under specialist respiratory tertiary center with ceiling of care for my medications still not so well managed and other issues. So appalled at the amount. They awarded 1% only for my diagnosis of inducible laryngeal obstruction where I have awful symptoms of airway closure, constrictions, neck pain as though I’m being strangled, loss of voice often hoarse or can’t always speak verbally, wheeze And cough. With rescue breathes needed and regular SALT and also additional psychological therapy to support as this is really difficult. 😥

Kimmy87

Are you part of a union at all, or might there be another support organisation for your profession?

claire19_86

I am not no, I couldn’t afford to remain and I have had to give up my registration. I wasn’t able to revlidate so they won’t help with not being a paid member with them. They didn’t help when I was in all truth and the Covid drama I had at the time I caught it- was pregnant but whole other drama of not having a proper risk assessment.

Kimmy87

When my Mum had to give up work through ill health, she did get help from union but also found Citizens Advice very helpful.

You could look for your local branch, or other local advice agencies here

https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

poppy123456

IIDB is complicated and not something I've very familiar with. We don't have many threads on here regarding this either. My advice is to speak to an advice agency local to you. Use that link that kimmy provided above.