Back problems and ESA

Spinney

Hi all, I'll keep it short so I don't bore you all☺️, I've applied for ESA contribution based and have further sent off my application for LCWRA, my application was very detailed I filled in all that was relevant and tried to make sure I based it on my worse days. I read that a decision is often made without accessing health records which seems unfair, anyone had any experience of this? 🙏

janer1967

Hi there 

It is unlikely they will getmedical records as the onus is on you to provide evidence . It also isn't about a diagnosis but about how you condition affects your ability to undertake any type of work and unless medical records specifically describe this it isn't relevant 

It is also not advisable to just detail your worst days but more what you are like on the majority of days 

You will most likely have a phone or f2f assessment with health care professionals and current wait times can be very long it's all a waiting game 

Spinney

I didn't send medical evidence as I don't have any, apart from very generalised letters which are not from this year, or pics off my mobile phone when the consultant left the room 😜 hopefully I have been as descriptive as I can 

poppy123456

Spinney said:

tried to make sure I based it on my worse days.

That's not the best idea at all and something you should never do. In fact it could be seen as benefit fraud.

Accessing medical records is something they never do. They sometimes contact your GP but a GP will only ever give very limited information because they have no idea exactly how your conditions affect you.

Spinney

Ah I see, my GP actually advised that and it sounded reasonable to me, odd that they wouldn't check my records to back up my account of my situation 🤔

poppy123456

Spinney said:

 odd that they wouldn't check my records to back up my account of my situation 🤔

It's a claimants responsibility to prove you qualify, not their's. On the front of the form it does tell you a list of some of the evidence that you can send to support your claim. It also says a list of things they don't want to see.

A GP has very little benefits knowledge.

Spinney

Well I'll be expecting a f2f or a telephone call ☎️ ☺️, just hope someone listens long enough for me to explain my situation 🤞