Hi, my name is ImranS! Erbs Palsy and DLA

ImranS
ImranS Online Community Member Posts: 3 Connected
edited August 2020 in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA
Hi I'd like to discuss my DLA claim for my son. He was born earlier this year, unfortunately due to his size (large) he became stuck. Due to this he has had several birth injuries, Brachial plexus nerve damage, HIE and subdural hematoma. He survived over 10 mins without oxygen and had to be cooled to prevent any further brain damage. He cannot move his right arm which has had the nerve damage. The hospital advised that this disability could be life long and we await further appointments for specialist operations that he may need. We were advised that his Erbs Palsy is a disability and that we should apply for DLA. However it was rejected because at six months he doesn't require more substantial care than that of a child of similar age. So I called and asked for a mandatory reconsideration. It was again rejected and I have been advised to appeal if I disagree with them. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Comments

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi and welcome to the forum @ImranS

    From what I haver rad about DLA claims for young children it is hard to get it as at your childs age like stated as in order to be awarded they need to have to have significantly more need of care than any other child of the same age.

    Of courser any child that age needs care in evety aspect of their life

    It may be worth waiting until your son is older and his care needs are more evident as a resukt of his disability

    This is only my opinion and I am sure other members will advise
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    edited August 2020
    Hi @ImranS and welcome to the community.  I've moved your post to our PIP, DLA and AA board so it's in the right spot to get attention.

    Unfortunately you don't get DLA for diagnosis alone.  You need to be able to evidence in your application how your son's Erbs Palsy is resulting in extra care and costs that other children without impairment don't face.  The best way to do that is through giving real-life examples of times you provide substantial care and what that involves.  

    @janer1967's advice is useful that it might be good to wait until your son's needs are more apparent.
  • ImranS
    ImranS Online Community Member Posts: 3 Connected
    Thanks, I do feel his need's are more than a child of the same age especially the physio several times a day. But take your point to maybe wait a little longer and see any changes. 
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi again also remember DLA would be looking to expect the condition to last at least 9 months after the aeward so maybe the fact you are not yet sure it is a lifelong disability will also be a factor to take into account

    Also DLA is to provide additional finance for the extra costs a disabled person would be subject to like mobility, aids, travel, carers and so forth which at present would not be applicable

    I think generally but not in all cases people claim once their children are 2 years and over and 3 for mobility
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    @Username_removed

    Thanks again for correcting my advice I know you have better knowledge but would appreciate a bit more respect when you comment on my posts 

    I appreciate members need to have correct info but your attitude at times is out of order 
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    I said at times out of order not specific to this post this just was the comment that broke camels back as they say after reading some of your responses on other posts 

    I wont get into a debate with you on another persons thread 
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    Thank you for your clarification @Username_removed
    My statement reflected DLA claim form wording that the benefit is designed to help mitigate the extra costs faced by those with impairments. 

    I hope this extra information is beneficial @ImranS
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    Hi @ImranS and welcome to the community! I just wanted to check in to see how you are getting on. :)
  • Brookefamily
    Brookefamily Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Hi everyone,
    I hope you don't mind if I join on this for some advice.
    We were told about DLA as I am unable to return to my career in the foreseeable future.
    Our son is 5 months diagnosed with Erb's palsy and a stroke at birth which has left him with left sided weakness. 
    He has biweekly consultant appointments, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy as well as daily physio every day at home.
    When he is old enough would this be taken into consideration?
    He is unable to go the the private nursery we had reserved for him as they cannot perform his physio and because he has several appointments per week.
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated 
    Thanks
    Amy


  • ImranS
    ImranS Online Community Member Posts: 3 Connected
    @Brookefamily Hi, sorry to hear about your son. Since our appeal got rejected I haven't bothered applying again. If your son requires care and is granted DLA you can also apply for carers allowance. My son is now 22 months old. There's lots of milestones he is missing. I am waiting to see how he gets on then will probably apply again given he's still not walking. He's getting physio also from various different people in the NHS. When applying I'd put all the details you can on the forms. I think this is where I got it wrong. 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    It is very difficult to claim DLA for a child under 3, especially babies because all babies need a lot of care and attention. What you have to do is proove they need more care and attention than a child the same age who doesn't have a disability.

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