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"good grip" PIP and appeals
I use a NHS-issued powerchair as I have widespread osteoarthritis after life-changing injuries in a car accident in 1991, only 5 weeks from my nursing finals. I also care for my 72yo husband, who has Parkinson's.
We have a grown-up family, though one of our daughters died last year, so we moved nearer her four children, with our doggie and kitty..
I was recently moved from DLA to PIP, but the nurse (who has no more orthopaedic training than I do), wrote in her report that I have 'good grip'! You are never issued with a powered wheelchair if you have! I immediately requested a mandatory reconsideration, but the ' good grip' nonsense was repeated. Since I haven't seen an orthopaedic surgeon for about twenty years, I didn't have time to appeal. Plus, I'm still trying to sort out Attendance Allowance for my husband, and not really coping with any of it. I'm quite depressed, not surprisingly..
We have a grown-up family, though one of our daughters died last year, so we moved nearer her four children, with our doggie and kitty..
I was recently moved from DLA to PIP, but the nurse (who has no more orthopaedic training than I do), wrote in her report that I have 'good grip'! You are never issued with a powered wheelchair if you have! I immediately requested a mandatory reconsideration, but the ' good grip' nonsense was repeated. Since I haven't seen an orthopaedic surgeon for about twenty years, I didn't have time to appeal. Plus, I'm still trying to sort out Attendance Allowance for my husband, and not really coping with any of it. I'm quite depressed, not surprisingly..
Replies
I am sorry to hear you are having such a tough time, when were you turned down with your mandatory reconsideration? We have lots of information and support around appeals so maybe we can help you?
Do you need any help with the Attendance Allowance too? Are you getting any other support?
Senior online community officer
The virtually-medically-unqualified assessors are there to play down claimants' disabilities.
My assessor, a paramedic, wrote in her report that, because I could turn a car steering wheel, then I could wash, dress, etc in a reasonable time. I challenged this statement in my MR which I didn't win but the decision maker didn't repeat the assessor's claim: instead, they stated that because I could perform the assessment exercises quite well then I must be able to wash, dress etc without difficulty. I defy anyone who isn't actually paralysed not to be able to perform the assessments' easy exercises at least adequately.
So, I have appealed.
It is possible to make a late appeal with the tribunal service's permission. 65% of appeals are successful.
Suggest you ask for advice about making a late appeal in Ask a benefits advisor category.
You could phone Scope helpline. There might be other advice organisations in your area.