Tribunal

[flowerpotgirl]

Bad night before today's tribunal, not surprisingly.
They asked the usual things with some odd questions. The doc was again focussed on how often I see my GP, as if frequent attendance=increased disability. Of course I waste my precious energy going to be told that there is nothing they can do!
They asked their questions first then if I had anything

Comments

[sysann]

Oh sweetie I'm sorry. :( *makes another cuppa* Hope you're feeling better already when you spot this, but either way... *hug*

[flowerpotgirl]

Thank you so much for your support.
Feeling better after large quantities of tea! ( And McDreamy!)

[asparagusmama]

Sounds awful. And no, they shouldn't have used the previous tribunal at all. Not only is it unethical it is (or was four years ago when I had my second one?) against regulations. Did your Carers charity not have someone who could go with you and speak for you. i was lucky in that a retired barrister volunteered for South Oxon Carers Centre.

I wasn't told for either of my appeals - had to wair for notification in writing, one said no, one gave me it all back, so I don't think it's a sign one way or the other. The other person may have had to answer more questions for clarification.

Don't give up - a collection of campaign groups and charities have got the DWP to re-examine how it deals with fluxuating illnesses and fatigue and how it should take account that in some conditions it isn't just mind or body but both can be affected separately or at the same time by the condition.

Anyway *hugs* and thinking of you and praying this time you get the DLA.

[flowerpotgirl]

Thank you for your support.
I had a bad day yesterday and still tired and a bit weepy today, but trying to think of it as in the past and not dwell.
The only people we found details for were either too busy or would only help if they had filled out the form. Only problem with that was a 4 month wait to look at the form and so I decided that as a formerly competent health professional it was a ridiculous system if I could not fill out my form, about me, myself. Now, I realise the system is ridiculous, but, to be honest, the problem seems to be that annoyingly variable condition ME and the supposition that my GP is not a reliable informant as well as an element of ignoring their own doctor!! OK, rant over, but I feel better for it.
Will at least be able to use the inclusion of the prior tribunal's report in an appeal.
Who knows maybe the confused weepy bit will help!
Determined to look forward to my birthday and the possibility of money to spend. Clothes or DVDs, as only got last season of Lewis ( T has boxset but it is hers!)?

[asparagusmama]

I know it's too late now, but if you have to go through this again, or for anything else, I would always advice to get an expert to always fill in your DLA and ESA forms for you. I used to fill in forms for other people as a volunteer in a Youth Centre and at a Refugee centre but I never would fill in a form myself. i did once as a student and lost my DLA completely until BK was a baby and I tried again.

Firstly, they can find some emotional disctance that yous imply can't, however hard you try, and secondly - and more importantly - filling in AA, DLA and ESA is all they do every day. They know how to phrase things that make the DWP decsion makers understand. I know it might be a long wait if you need to got trhough this again, but make the appointment then request the form.

Anyway, hopefully you won't need to got through it a third time and they make a just decision xx

[flowerpotgirl]

It seems wrong, but I think you're right, if that makes sense. It should be possible for a literate adult to fill in the form but it has become a case of certain words/phrases being needed.
Although, the problem here seems to be that they believe nobody, even their own doctor! When I reviewed the criteria I noticed that lower rate mobility, which I had previously assumed I couldn't get, mention a physical cause for needing supervision outdoors. The Dr said I should not go outdoors alone due to fatigue. Not sure how they think they can wriggle out of that one! I think I said that on Friday in the weepy speech - 'I don't know what to say/ I don't understand how they work'!
That's the most frustrating thing, the feeling that you can't win even if all the evidence backs you up.
I do feel better for ranting to you and appreciate your support so much.
When you're in Wonderland, it helps to have someone there telling you that cats don't vanish and hatters don't have tea parties!!

[test_kard_girl]

Oh hunnie. I'm sorry this is late, but I really hope you're feeling a bit better after the whole debacle, it sounds exhausting. *Hugs & more tea* xxx

[flowerpotgirl]

Thank you for your support.
More tea always welcome! And hugs make me feel better.