Reporting changes - PIP

JonnycJonny

When reporting a change of circumstances does the DWP expect me to fill out every section of the form again - as a formality - or just those sections directly impacted by my worsening condition ? 

My physio has never timed how long it takes me to cover a certain distance - say 20m  - with my walking stick. Should I get this done and have it put in writing ? Fatigue, wobbliness and pain generally become unmanageable around 50 metres - is pushing on through pain seen as 'walking to an acceptable standard' ?

Thank you

poppy123456

Yes, you need to make sure you treat it as a new claim, which is how every form should be filled in, even for a review.

You don't need exact times of how long it takes you to walk a certain distance, that would just make it far too complicated. Just put down how far you're able to walk and why you can only walk that distance. What exactly happens when you attempt to walk, where are you, does anyone see it and what the consequences were etc etc.

You need to give those real world examples for all descriptors that apply to you.  Adding detailed information such as where you were, what exacetly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were. You should aim for at least half an A4 side of paper per descriptor that applies.

JonnycJonny

Thank you.

Sue_Alumni

Good morning @JonnycJonny

Just to respond directly to one point you made but if you are walking through pain you should not be treated as being able to carry out that activity.The PIP regulations (regulaion 4(2)) state that you should only be treated as being able to carry out an activity if you can carry out that activity safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonabletime period.  Regulation 7 also says that you only need to show there is a need for help for a majority of days in a 12 month period. You should therefore state that if you are in pain you cannot carry out an activity safely, repeatedly and to an acceptable standard.  There is caselaw that states that pain is relevant to whether someone can move around to an acceptable standard and also that stoical ability in the face of pain is no ability.  

As poppy says refer to real life examples in your review form and give as much information as possible. 

JonnycJonny

Thank you for your insight. I didn't know there was case law regarding pain and moving around to an acceptable standard. I figured it would only apply to those repetitive daily living tasks that I find so challenging that's why I thought it worth asking. On proper reflection it now seems obvious. Over the past few years I have in typical British fashion carried on stoically when it comes to walking.

calcotti

JonnycJonny said:

Over the past few years I have in typical British fashion carried on stoically when it comes to walking.

Unfortunately the process of applying for PIP (or a WCA) means that you have to put aside ‘could be worse, mustn’t grumble’ attitude (which is a great attitude for getting on with life) but have to focus on everything that you find difficult and highlight your coping mechanisms. It’s why the process can be so upsetting for claimants.

JonnycJonny

You are right - having to go cap in hand to the state is upsetting. Having to admit that my walking ability is far from what it once was - wobbling like I have had one too many and having to cope with discomfort - is distressing.

Knowing that there is in fact a legal precedent regarding pain and an ability to walk acceptably has eased my mind a little. Now I will focus on everything I find difficult when moving around - with concrete examples.

Have a good day. All the best.

claregrace

Hi. Just my experience. I have progressive ms with really bad walking, so slow, painful, wobbly and haphazard. I explained all of that to a very nice lady during my pip assessment, completely ignored as was my repetition in the MR. My nhs physio referral was 7 months and nothing heard so I used my husbands private healthcare to get some neuro physio sessions. Best thing I ever did, they helped me understand what was happening and got me going with a rollator, exercises and walking the best I can. Brilliant! On my first appointment with her I explained I was going for pip and asked for a report assessing my walking. she did a 10m timmed test and made lots of comments on my quality of walking , gait, pain, effort, balance. I included this in my new pip application . When j got to the questions in the assessment about my walking  I asked the assessor had she read my physio report and then proceded to reference it to help support my descriptions of how I struggle daily. In addition my neuro report was also more detailed. I have just got a copy of my assessment report and practically every evidence section specifically references the neuro walking assessment report. Thank god I did that. Getting good specialist evidence really helps. Good luck. 

JonnycJonny

Thank you for relating your experience. I will gather as much supporting evidence as I can from my PT, OT and GP before submitting my change of circumstances.

Best wishes 

vikingqueen

Found this 

PIP: walking through pain is not walking to an acceptable standard | Disability Rights UK
   

JonnycJonny

Thank you 

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @JonnycJonny. It is the very least you deserve. If we can do anything else to support you please don't hesitate to let us know. We are all here for you