DWP didn't agree with assessor's report

alexcalder

Hello, forgive me, this may be long and emotional.

I applied for PIP back in June. I found out today that it had been refused and received my assessors report. She awarded me 12 points on Daily Living, and 4 on mobility. 

However.

It seems this was refused by the DWP. With the report, they sent a copy of a 'change of advice PA6' form where the same woman has changed everything and now I am awarded no points. 

This paragraph has basically been inserted everywhere there was a point awarded:

'Although claimant reports pain and fatigue in HOC in PA4, this is inconsistent with HOC in PA4 showing no regular specialist input, no pain management and medications in PA4 shows no prescribed pain relief and some efficacy of over the counter pain relief. SOH in PA4 shows she is able to drive an unadapted manual car weekly and IO shows no signs of pain or breathlessness during the assessment. Although the claimant reports lack of motivation, HOC in PA4 shows no current specialist input or therapy input, medications show no change in antidepressant medication since 2000. MSE in PA4 shows she did not appear withdrawn. Given the overall evidence and on the balance of probability, it is likely she would be able to manage this activity unaided.'

This has basically been cut pasted throughout. 

My claim is based on Hypothyroidism, MH issues, and bowel issues. 

I am under a consultant for both, and they have evidence of this. The MH issues are just through my doctor, though he repeatedly recommends I seek specialist help. 

Nearly all my pain and fatigue symptoms are as a result of my Hypothyroidism and yet here they seem to have been completely dismissed and not accepted as being part of my condition for which I'm receiving treatment. Yes, I use over the counter medications for pain relief, and they acknowledge it helps but does not stop the pain. I wouldn't appear breathless or in pain as I was sat down in a chair during the (phone) assessment, so I wouldn't be would I? The 'lack of motivation' is also partly due to the hypothyroidism but also the depression, and they seem to have penalised me because my medication hasn't changed since 2000? Do medications have to be changed for them to be valid?

I'm at a loss what to do. I know I can do an MR but I'm seriously questioning if there is any point as they clearly have no understanding of my conditions, and the DWP are clearly wanting to deny this claim or they wouldn't have asked the assessor to rewrite it. 

Any advice please and thank you!

calcotti

alexcalder said:
I'm at a loss what to do. I know I can do an MR but I'm seriously questioning if there is any point ..

You need to do an MR and then, if necessary, appeal to the tribunal service.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-benefit-decisions/

poppy123456

You can't proceed with Tribunal without first doing the MR. Yes, the most likely outcome of the MR will be the decision remains the same but there's a 27% chance the decision could change and you could be one of them.