Additional diagnosis

lou54321

My husband has completed the application form, and he had his telephone assessment last week, text received 06.12.22. Today he has had a call from the hospital diagnosing severe sleep apnea, and will now have to use a CPAP machine all night, every night.  

On his application form we stated that he was being investigated for sleep apnea, it was mentioned during the assessment but “brushed over” slightly as didn’t have official diagnosis at the time. 

My question is, and I am aware that PIP is not awarded on diagnosis, not obviously he now will be using the CPAP machine, would it be a good idea to advise the DWP of the new diagnosis and treatment?  Thanks in advance

lou54321

Care wise, I think yes because of the managing treatments side of things. Due to his other problems he won’t be able to put the mask on without assistance. The consultant today has said the sleep apnea also explains his breathlessness, which during the assessment we explained that he has but couldn’t really explain why except due to pain. Really unsure what to do for the best. Thank you for replying. 

L_Volunteer

This sounds really difficult @lou54321. It sounds positive that the consultant has been able to potentially explain his breathlessness though. 

What would the best look like for you at the moment - is this about managing his sleep apnea and support needs or something else? 

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to make things feel more manageable. We are all here for you and listening to you 

lou54321

Thanks for replying @L_Volunteer. 

We called DWP on Friday, as we thought it couldn’t hurt. Obviously got through to the call centre but the chap we spoke to appeared to take detailed notes and asked lots of clarification questions so hopefully he will pass this info on. No idea if it will have any bearing on the result of the PIP claim. 

Just really hoping my husband is awarded. We are both struggling with our disabilities and need to start to pay for extra help now, so fingers crossed but I’m not hopeful. He really struggled with the telephone assessment, he could hardly talk he was shaking so much. I don’t think he was able to put across well how his conditions affected him and the struggles he has.  It’s a waiting game now, I’m thinking it will be after Christmas before we hear. 

poppy123456

You need to be very careful about reporting things like this because some call centre staff will take it as a change of circumstances and send out another form to fill in and return.

lou54321

Oh no, I really hope not!  It was mentioned as under investigation on the original form, and I explained to the assessor on the telephone call that we would be getting the results soon. I wish we haven’t called now. 

Cher_Alumni

@lou54321 Ahh, please try not to worry too much. You phoned with the best of intentions following this new information. When you aren't privy to the workings of PIP, it's a real maze to navigate. Try to hold tight now and distract yourself until the decision letter comes.

We are around 24/7 if you need us, and I'd always recommend everyone seek welfare representation from Advice Local if the outcome isn't as anticipated.

Take care and wishing you and your husband all the best.