Assessors Report

TP08_Blan

Hello,

I have received my report today and seen that they have scored me 0 for everything. (This could be a new report or old as it was sent back to the assessment provider 2 days after DWP received this) Very concerning as I have sent over 200 pieces of evidence and used the descriptions to showcase how this affects me. The evidence from my transplant consultant also backs this up.

Has there been any stories where they have gone against the report? I just feel after all the evidence I have sent that I do not have the energy to go for a MR

poppy123456

It’s very rare for them to go against the report but it can happen. Once the decision is made if you’re not happy you can request the Mandatory Reconsideration.

I will say though that 200 pieces of evidence is rather a lot. Less is very often more when it comes to evidence, especially if you send multiple pieces all saying the same thing.

TP08_Blan

Thank you - complicated one as the report was actually sent back (21st November) to the assessment provider after it was originally submitted (19th November) and then it came back again on the (29th) The report I received was the one that was sent back originally from the 19th.

Yes it is a lot of evidence but unfortunately showcases how my interactions I have with different specialists and also demonstrates how my condition has deteriorated dramatically.

Holly_Scope

Hi @TP08_Blan I am so sorry to read this. It must be really unsettling and disappointing.

Hopefully if you're moving forward with the mandatory reconsideration it will bring a positive outcome for you.

I hope you're doing ok otherwise. Please let us know how you get on if you do decide to progress.

All the best,

Holly.

TP08_Blan

Thank you for your response. I will await the decision but intend to proceed with a Mandatory Reconsideration if necessary. Unfortunately, I am a transplant patient, and my current situation is critical, with less than 21% function remaining before complete failure (failure is defined as 16%), at which point I would need to rely on a machine to stay alive.

I applied for PIP because my life has changed dramatically since my transplant began to fail (I am a teacher), and I have had to make significant adjustments. In the past, I have struggled with an eating disorder due to my complex needs, during which I received support from a dietitian and was prescribed weight gain medication. I still have access to talking therapy about this and sent medical evidence to support this. Due to been on the phone he assumed that because I try eat 2 meals a day and I am “educated” the support from a plan and partner and and the assumption not been sectioned I’ve never had a disorder. So awarded me 0.

It is also upsetting that the assessor concluded that my possession of a driving license (despite the fact that I am not currently driving) implies that I am “functioning adequately” at present. Furthermore, the report states that “due to his coherent understanding of his own transplant, he has no daily living needs.” He also states that my condition will also not likely change for a year but 2 weeks later had to call up and say that it has.

The assessor also acknowledged that my anemia causes me to experience extreme fatigue and dizziness, which is supported by evidence from my transplant consultant. Despite this, they failed to consider that I use an aid to get in and out of the shower and require it for support while showering. I was awarded 0 points for daily living, with the assumption that because I can drive, I can get in and out of the bath and wash unaided, which is inaccurate.

For mobility, I was awarded only 4 points on the basis of safety concerns related to my dizziness. I find these conclusions deeply disappointing and unreflective of the significant impact my condition has on my daily life.

Mary_Scope

Hi @TP08_Blan

This sounds like a very stressful and upsetting situation. Unfortunately, this is something that can happen even though it feels like its shouldn't!

It is definitely worth pushing through with the mandatory reconsideration and I really hope that goes well. I wish you all of the luck!