Good News but...

HI, I had an assessment for DLA (previously awarded indefinitely in 1988) to Pip on 9th February. It was long and stressful. I'm extremely relieved to say the decision arrived today and I've retained everything that I had with the award being for an 'ongoing period'.

I am so pleased and thank you for all the wonderful advice in the guides. I had asked for a copy of the MR and was very annoyed when I read some of the comments - for example the assessor gave me reduce points for washing and dressing because she said that I was able to put my right arm behind my back. She asked me to do this and I said I couldn't because I have a should inpingment and it is too painful. I also have extreme problems with my voice when I'm tired or when I've been talking along time. At night I can barely speak and I told her I'd just finished speech therapy but there was nothing they could do to make it better. I got no points for communicating and engaging with other people. she noted that my voice got worse throughout the assessment but decided that this wasn't a problem. I felt that she took no account of the variability of my disability at all. I had also said that I couldn't follow an unfamiliar journey, or even a familiar one later in the day or when especially fatigued because I couldn't concentrate but she gave no points for that as she said I didn't appear anxious about it.
I really wanted to make a complaint but as I did get enough points to get through, just, I feel I should leave well alone. When I receive the reassessment for ESA, which will no doubt pop through the door at any time now, I will be better prepared.

I'd asked my GP for a letter of support but he said he would supply it if they asked him. Do you think it's worth asking for a copy of my medical records so that I'm prepared for the ESA reassessment?

Thanks again for all the great advice you give, it helps to read what's said to other people too .

Thank you. I feel so relieved