Is there any information that the DWP would accept that i could request from my doctor?

Gcloud
Gcloud Community member Posts: 54 Connected
edited January 2022 in Universal Credit (UC)
Is there any information that the DWP would accept as part of my claim that i could request from my doctor/doctors?

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    edited January 2022
    I requested my medical records quite sometime ago in the hope that i could find something to use.. unfortunately, there was nothing useful at all. A GP often refuses to write a letter for any benefits claim and the ones that will, will charge you. I see little point in paying for a letter when a GP knows very little about how your conditions affect you.
    The best thing you can do is as i advised in your other thread... real world examples. More details on this in your other thread here. https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/87827/looking-for-mandatory-reconsideration-extra-documents-help#latest
     I did exactly this for my work capability assessment last year, for mine and my daughters PIP reviews last year and 3 of them had paper based assessments. All i sent for mine was a repeat prescription list and a very short letter with a recommendation for aids by an OT paid for and fitted by my local Authority.

  • Gcloud
    Gcloud Community member Posts: 54 Connected
    I dont think me just saying what my conditions will pass as substantial evidence. Unless they just believe everyone making a claim. wont I need evidence or something? If I didn't qualify for LCWRA last time how do I prove that my conditions  should be seen as more serious? telling me what the LCWRA descriptors are is great and all but I need to try to think how to give them more info and they only want me to upload a document and comment on the document? unless I post a huge description of all my conditions in a word document and how each of the LCWRA descriptors effect me?
  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    edited January 2022
    Gcloud said:.. how each of the LCWRA descriptors effect me?
    That’s what you need to do. People with the same health conditions are affected differently - you need to explain how you are affected.

    A few clinic letters, if you have them, will be sufficient to evidence your conditions.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    Medical evidence is only useful if it states exactly how your conditions affect you. Mostly it will state the basics like diagnosis, medication etc etc but usually these are not in dispute. 
    If you search the forum on ESA/UC and the PIP section you will see that anecdotal evidence is mentioned a lot. The best person to tell them how you’re affected is yourself. Not a GP/doctor or Consultant. 
    If you can upload a document onto your journal I see no reason why you can’t use a word document to type out what you need and send them this. 
    When I mention anecdotal evidence, I don’t mean something like.. I can’t do X because of Y because this is an assertion. 
    The most likely outcome of the MR is the decision will remain the same. Though we have had members that have had the decision changed in their favour at this stage. 
    If it gets to Tribunal then I’d advise you to get expert advice and if you can get representation, even better. 
  • Gcloud
    Gcloud Community member Posts: 54 Connected
    I've got a week to try provide more info to the Decision maker. I just don't know else to make them aware of my conditions that effect me without much paper work to send them hopefully speak to my doctor about any letter/notes on my situation and send them also. I know my Situation should be close to LCWRA as I feel LCWRA descriptors some cases 1 and 2 but mostly 6, to 14 should be applicable to how limited I am I just need to be transparent with them.

    Would they accept a word document outlining each of the 
    LCWRA descriptors written by me with some sicknote/fit for work forms?
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    Fit notes are not classed as evidence. 
  • Gcloud
    Gcloud Community member Posts: 54 Connected
    Fit notes are not classed as evidence.

    So what is classes as evidence? surly my word on this wont be enough?
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    Yes it will because you will be giving details of real world incidents that have happened to you. Please do a search of the forum and you will see.
    You can also get some expert advice by putting your postcode into this link and choosing welfare benefits. https://advicelocal.uk/
  • Gcloud
    Gcloud Community member Posts: 54 Connected
    edited January 2022
    as you can tell I don't do to well at understanding information or like to complicate things for myself sorry if i seem a pain in the butt
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    It’s not a problem. Benefits are complex, for sure. Another reason why expert advice is advised. Please use the link I posted above to see what agency is local to you.
  • Gcloud
    Gcloud Community member Posts: 54 Connected
    Just citizens advice which ill call 2moro
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,443 Championing
    Did you manage to call them today @Gcloud? :) 
  • Gcloud
    Gcloud Community member Posts: 54 Connected
    Did you manage to call them today @Gcloud? :) 
    Yes I have and they will be setting me up with a person who will be helping me step by step but I will need to wait.


  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    Glad to hear you have some help. Good luck!
  • Gcloud
    Gcloud Community member Posts: 54 Connected
    Thanks for the point in the right direction.