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Epilepsy PIP 2019

Hi,
I have epilepsy and syncopated attacks, they come without any warning and are uncontrolled. All medical evidence states this and also states very accurately that I am at risk in all aspects of activities stated in the pip form.
i have scored 12 points for mobility but only 6 for daily living. The reports states I need supervision while bathing due to the danger, yet I don’t need supervision to cook or eat? When clearly there would be a danger in the activities.
I have epilepsy and syncopated attacks, they come without any warning and are uncontrolled. All medical evidence states this and also states very accurately that I am at risk in all aspects of activities stated in the pip form.
i have scored 12 points for mobility but only 6 for daily living. The reports states I need supervision while bathing due to the danger, yet I don’t need supervision to cook or eat? When clearly there would be a danger in the activities.
Anyone else having similar issues?
Thanks
Replies
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@IHaveEpilepsy81 - I wonder if this might help you understand the reasoning around safety? (I’m not an assessor)
You have to take into account two things - the frequency of an event happening vs the consequences if it does.
You could have a seizure whilst cooking. This isn’t very likely - since most people only cook a couple of times per day - but the consequences could be catastrophic - for example if there was something on the stove and the house caught fire whilst you were in a confused state.
The risk is unacceptable so this isn’t safe.
The chance of seizure remains the same - fairly low - when using a microwave but the consequences are a lot less severe. The microwave will switch off at the end of the cooking period so there’s no danger of a catastrophic fire.
The risk, in the eyes of the DWP, is acceptable and it is safe to use a microwave.
If you ask for MR I wonder if it is worth mentioning how often your seizures occur, and how you deal with cooking, eating etc at the moment.
Good luck - whatever you decide….
For claimants who experience seizures 1e might apply to those where there is strong evidence that the altered consciousness is unpredictable and that they would not reliably be able to use a microwave.
Welfare rights have said that the case law regarding safety and supervision is being awarded correctly at the tribunal stage.
I'm not at all suggesting that the chance of having a seizure is low - I don't know that, only you do really. What I meant is that the risk of having a seizure when it would cause safety issues in relation to preparing food is low.
If you cook twice a day the chance of a seizure coinciding with you taking food out of the microwave is low, as there are only a few minutes every day when this occurs.
I apologise if you believe that I am understating your condition. That wasn't my intention - I was just trying to explain the safety angle in the genuine belief that it would help you.
Good luck in your tribunal...
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I get were you are coming from. You go to these assessments and be open and honest which i don't know about you but i find very difficult talking about my condition and how badly it has affected and changed my life. I don't get why they ask all these question then report something totally different from what you have said . My letter to the DWP for MR i detailed everything whether it will make any difference i am not sure.
I am getting to the point that i am really struggling with it all (maybe just a bad day). I live alone and safety must be my first priority so what they don't understand about that baffles me.
I hope all goes well for you fingers crossed.
I only waited 6 days from when i had my renewal assemement to get a decision. You read and hear that many different stories its hard to get your head around. I even spoke to DWP to voice my concern on why
they reduced my award and the person i spoke to said that they totally agreed with me and my points shouldnt have been reduced.
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Good to hear a success story ....gives me hope
Well done.
Hi just thought i would give you a quick update. I heard today my MR decision has been successful. Here,s hoping we hear many more success stories.
Have a look at Disability Rights UK, they have a caselaw section and provide an easily understood narrative.
You should seek face to face advice from a welfare rights officer.
Keep us informed.
Best wishes
Hi i didn't send in anymore evidence just a covering letter explaining in detail how my disability affects me. I believe the detailed information i gave them helped in giving them a better understanding of how my disability affects my daily life in assisting them scoring my capabilities. I kept the letter to my health issues only and i thnk i came across in a clam , polite manner.
I was awarded a further 2 points for cooking and preparing food: i previously scored 1c now 1e
I already had enhanced mobility award.
Hope this helps and if you need any further help please just let me know.
Hi Poppy i agree i don't know of any other advise you could give
I am fortunate enough to have been successful with my MR Hopefully @IHaveEpilepsy81 you have more success at tribunal.
Do you know when your tribunal is yet ?
I would have thought you would have had a decision by now i hope they go with the report and award you.
I had to endure the dreaded MR but fortunately on Friday i found out i had been successful. I hope to hear more successful outcomes in the future.
That is absolutely fantastic news....i am so happy for you.
I know it has been a real struggle for you having to fight this but look how strong you have been and won.
You went with what you believed what was correct and fair and the outcome speaks for itself. Well done you 🙂 x
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No i totally understand not recommended going through the MR was stressful enough.
Time now to concentrate on getting your health back on track and enjoying life.
Keep smiling happy days ahead 🙂🙂