Medical Evidence

Kevinbruce

I have a new medical evidence showing my medical condition which is hip Arthritis and also showing possible treatment of total hip replacement surgery, I have other medical condition which is Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and I have been given an ICD, but I was recently granted PIP but only the standard rate for daily living and only 4 points for mobility, and I am looking to challenge the decision and wondering if I can use this letter as additional evidence, but I’m also worried that they might say that since I have been proposed for hip replacement surgery they will reject my pip in general

Albus_Scope

Hi @Kevinbruce and welcome to the community. 😊

Have you already asked for a mandatory reconsideration? It's fine if you want to add extra evidence if you think it may help. But they don't award PIP based on medical diagnosis, only how your disabilities effect you in day to day life. So I'd be focusing on letting them know which descriptors apply to you and how they affect you, with real world examples.

anisty

It's quite possible a letter like this might go against you!

My hubby has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but so far he just has beta blockers. Next stage is an op to shave down the heart walls i think for him.

The thing is - has the ICD not "cured" the problem for you?

(I would be really interested to know this as obvs i am hoping if my hubby eventually gets some proper help, he will be relieved of his breathlessness and tiredness. He is able to still work full time as he is not in a manual/driving job)

Likewise, if your letter suggests you are in line for hip replacement, is that surgery not aimed at restoring your function if successful?

If pip assessors think the op is on the cards, they might hold back on any award on that basis.

If you do decide to send the letter, you will need to make sure you outline what restrictions are placed on you due to your heart.

My brother in law also has this condition and he also has full function with it. I really thought, apart from tiredness and breathlessness, (and of course the risk of sudden death!!) you can pretty much live as normal with this condition? And i guess your IHD has removed your risk of sudden death?! Hope so, anyway.

I understand there will be jobs that cannot be continued with on diagnosis but pip doesn't consider whether or not you can continue in the same employment - just against the descriptors on the form.