PIP journey

Well only 4 days after the telephone assessment I've got a copy of the assessors report, but no decision as yet. The assessors consultation report is a catalogue of factual errors and omissions from missed diagnoses in the History of Conditions, to reporting neck injuries and an operation as being back injuries and operation and even an "IO (Informal Observation) showing no pain" that was somehow done over the phone. Mostly it's a series of assessments that say the HOC and report from 8 years ago say everything show no pain/impact despite the fact that I am reporting a change that's backed up by new disc bulges and osteoarthritis. The conclusion is that it's accepted that it's degenerative but it's stayed the same so standard rate of both Daily Living and Mobility. I expect the decision to follow this and PIP helpline say I can't dispute the report until the decision is made - then put in for a Mandatory Reconsideration (along with the new medical reports received since putting in for a review).

Thanks Rosie, but no problems. I can show very clearly where things have been omitted, misrepresented and are even created from this air (alleged answers to questions I was never asked). I spend about half my time as a tenants advocate with both our Housing Association and the Housing Ombudsman's Residents Panels using my journalist training to fight cases based on the Law. It won't be the first time I've taken on the DWP and won. It just means waiting a little longer to go onto higher rate, and a larger backdated lump sum. Of course this is assuming the DWP just follow the assessor's ratings for each question despite the contradictory evidence.

Probably more importantly is I can give others a bit of up to date timescales on how long it's taking between assessment and decision, then how long before a Mandatory Reconsideration. Obviously that will be for this geographical area, but for many the most frustrating part is having no idea how long things are taking.

The latest update: On Friday I emailed the Health Assessment Advisory Service's assessors for this region, Maximus. I detailed the 7 specific diagnosed conditions that the assessor had failed to list in the "History of Conditions" along with points where she quoted answers to questions which had never been asked and occasions where she had added "alone" to totally change the context of answers - e.g. "He is happy to take a taxi alone" when I always have my son with me. I also noted that the assessors report consistently stated that nothing would have changed since my assessment in 2016 - only to then state that as my conditions were degenerative and would only get worse, not better, that no review would be required for 3 years. Maximus have now stated that they will investigate this assessment via an independent assessor.

I followed this up with a telephone call first thing this morning to the PIP/DWP helpline 0800 121 4433 and explained that I wanted to make a complaint. I explained all the above issues, and then listened as he read back the notes he had made listing every issue. I was then assured that these details would be added to the file to be sent to the Claim Manager as the decision has not been made yet.

It was important to get this complaint in prior to the decision, as it effectively gives me an extra opportunity to argue the assessment. Should the decision remain the same then I still have the Mandatory Reconsideration, and appeal if needed. This is also why it's a good idea to ask for a copy of the report as soon as practicable, preferably the day of the assessment or on notification that the report has been forwarded to the DWP.

I now await further developments.

True, although as my issues are degenerative the report does state that my condition is only likely to get worse. The important part was getting an award that takes me into retirement so that it can continue.