Lodged a PIP appeal

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JohntheBaptist

Received a PIP decision last Monday: Standard rate of both elements. lodged

Have lodged an appeal on the grounds that the assessor, a dreadful liar more interested in typing on her laptop than anything else, totally ignored the fact that I informed them I attended "therapies" weekly: Tinnitus, ME, Physio, Health Trainer. And because, ludicrously she "decided" that because I can drive that I am fully able to plan and execute all my journeys without assistance. She was shown the specialist App on my phone which I use, but ignored it.

This last point is utterly crazy given that hundreds of thousands on the Motability scheme (I am not) are self-drivers. Of course there is also the fact that if the ability to drive granted perfect navigaational skills then Sat Nav. would never have been invented.

Any help on how I can put this point across to them, and where I may turn to get a professional's written support would be most welcome in this stressful situation.

poppy123456

HI and welcome,

It will be the MR for your first step and not appeal. You should put this in writing stating where you think you should have scored those points and your reasons why. Then add a couple of real life examples of what happened the last time you attempted that activity for each descriptor that applies to you.

Do be aware that PIP isn't awarded based on a diagnosis. Attending therapy weekly will not score you any points, unless the therapy is given in your own home. If you go out for the appointment then you won't score any points for that.

Whether you will score any points for following and planning a journey will totally depend on how your conditions affect you.

Do also be aware that when requesting the MR they will look at the whole decision again and not just part of it. You should avoid mentioning any lies that may have been told in the report because they won't be interested in any of those. Any complaints about the report should be sent to the health assessment providers.

Most MR decisions remain the same so it's very likely you'll have to take it to Tribunal. Waiting times for these are huge across most of country and some are waiting at least a year for a hearing date and that was before the Covid 19 pandemic so waiting times have most likely increased considerably again.

As for a professionals written report, do you mean where can you go for evidence? Well that depends on who you see and whether or not they will know exactly how your conditions affect you against the descriptors and very few medical professionals will know this. It may also be extremely difficult to get any help for this now because of the current pandemic.

Hope this helps.