How do I explain that I have several chronic conditions that can vary in effect?

TEACUPTERRIER · February 15

So I have my pip tribunal phone call coming up in 8 days time. I have all my paper work ready and I've prepared as best as I can but not sure how to explain my illnesses. I have several chronic conditions that affect my everyday life but they are variable. I can have a good week - though even on a good week I'm never pain or fatigue free it just lessens a bit - then have 2 or more weeks of being exhausted, in serious pain and practically bed bound and unable to leave the house. How do i explain how the conditions can vary from managing a little exersise with no help to being house bound and needing a walking stick around the house? Has anyone had a successful tribunal with a similar illness?

woodbine · February 15

As with all things PIP its more about your care and/or mobility issues than any illness, you have to ask yourself can you do x repeatably, safely and as pain free as possible.
As for a tribunal you can only answer their questions as best you can.
Good luck

TEACUPTERRIER · February 15

Thanks. Im trying to focus on how my problems affect me according to the descriptors. The truth is at least half the time I'm not well enough to live normally without help. Even on so called good days im limited with how much I can do. I think I'm overly worried because if the bad experience with the original assessment. Hoping this will be a fair one.

mikehughescq · February 15

The key question for PIP is the reg 4/7 stuff. Can you do stuff reliably/need help more than 50% of the time? Raising variability in itself is a waste of time. All conditions are variable to a greater or lesser degree. A tribunal will metaphorically roll their eyes if you raise variability as a thing. Focus on whether you can perform the specific points scoring activities reliably as defined by the law and, if not, why not.

calcotti · February 15

The assessment should be based on how you are a majority of the time over a long enough period to be representative. If you typically have one good week and two bad weeks the. The assessment is based on how you are on your bad weeks.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/918329/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-assessment-criteria.pdf
See pages 67 and 68.

TEACUPTERRIER · February 15

Thanks everyone. I was wondering whether to bring up the variability issue. This is all good advice thanks. I think I'm as prepared as I am going to be. Will update in 8 days time!

Tori_Scope · February 16

I'm glad you've found the advice useful @TEACUPTERRIER

We look forward to hearing your update.

Lou67 · February 16

@TEACUPTERRIER Just wanted to wish you well for your appeal. I had one in November it went well. Good luck.

TEACUPTERRIER · February 16

Glad to hear your appeal was successful Lou64! I'm hearing that a lot from others in my situation so I don't feel so worried now. Thanks everyone for your support!

Lou67 · February 16

Thanks yeah try not to worry I know it’s easier sd than done.

Lets know how it goes.

How do I explain that I have several chronic conditions that can vary in effect?

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