"good grip" PIP and appeals

Ducklet

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.. 

Sam_Alumni

Hi @Ducklet welcome to the community! 

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?

Matilda

Hi @Ducklet

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.

Ducklet

Thanks, I'm feeling so overwhelmed, I could do with some help, but access issues don't make it very easy! I can't get into my local CAB, as it's in an ancient building..  

Matilda

@Ducklet

You could phone Scope helpline.  There might be other advice organisations in your area.

WheelyRachel

Ring your CaB they do make house calls

wildlife

[email protected], It sounds from what you say that your timescale for Appeal has run out and unless you have a very good reason to make a late application I would suggest you carry on sorting out your husbands AA. You could then apply for PIP again later on when you have more time. In the meantime if you have any medical appointments yourself try and collect evidence of your own problems. You can ask your surgery for copies of your medical evidence or any specialist report letters that have been sent to them. If you're short of evidence specifically about your grip Physios can do tests and a report for evidence. I paid privately for a letter with test results but it's worth it in the end. Try not to feel that being rejected for PIP is all you can do. There's nothing stopping you trying again after a reasonable length of time.