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Hi, my name is ImranS! Erbs Palsy and DLA

Hi I'd like to discuss my DLA claim for my son. He was born earlier this year, unfortunately due to his size (large) he became stuck. Due to this he has had several birth injuries, Brachial plexus nerve damage, HIE and subdural hematoma. He survived over 10 mins without oxygen and had to be cooled to prevent any further brain damage. He cannot move his right arm which has had the nerve damage. The hospital advised that this disability could be life long and we await further appointments for specialist operations that he may need. We were advised that his Erbs Palsy is a disability and that we should apply for DLA. However it was rejected because at six months he doesn't require more substantial care than that of a child of similar age. So I called and asked for a mandatory reconsideration. It was again rejected and I have been advised to appeal if I disagree with them. Has anyone had a similar experience?
Replies
From what I haver rad about DLA claims for young children it is hard to get it as at your childs age like stated as in order to be awarded they need to have to have significantly more need of care than any other child of the same age.
Of courser any child that age needs care in evety aspect of their life
It may be worth waiting until your son is older and his care needs are more evident as a resukt of his disability
This is only my opinion and I am sure other members will advise
Unfortunately you don't get DLA for diagnosis alone. You need to be able to evidence in your application how your son's Erbs Palsy is resulting in extra care and costs that other children without impairment don't face. The best way to do that is through giving real-life examples of times you provide substantial care and what that involves.
@janer1967's advice is useful that it might be good to wait until your son's needs are more apparent.
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Also DLA is to provide additional finance for the extra costs a disabled person would be subject to like mobility, aids, travel, carers and so forth which at present would not be applicable
I think generally but not in all cases people claim once their children are 2 years and over and 3 for mobility
I’m afraid all of this is also incorrect. The forwards test for DLA remains 6 months not 9. The idea that DLA is intended to pay for the extra costs of disability suggests that if people don’t have such costs they may not be entitled. In fact you can do whatever you want with DLA and extra coats do not feature in the claim pack or assessment.
Thanks again for correcting my advice I know you have better knowledge but would appreciate a bit more respect when you comment on my posts
I appreciate members need to have correct info but your attitude at times is out of order
“I’m afraid all of this is also incorrect. The forwards test for DLA remains 6 months not 9. The idea that DLA is intended to pay for the extra costs of disability suggests that if people don’t have such costs they may not be entitled. In fact you can do whatever you want with DLA and extra coats do not feature in the claim pack or assessment.”
is out of order @janer1967? I haven’t been personal; haven't been abusive; haven’t breached the T&Cs and by using the phrase “I’m afraid...” have softened the observation that the post contained 3 inaccurate statements.
I wont get into a debate with you on another persons thread
My statement reflected DLA claim form wording that the benefit is designed to help mitigate the extra costs faced by those with impairments.
I hope this extra information is beneficial @ImranS
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I’ll politely suggest that if you have an issue you report it rather than post personal comment which is a breach of the terms and conditions of the site. If you don’t want a debate then please don’t post the comment in the first place.
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