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Manual dexterity
- adam33
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1 year 2 months ago #283065 by adam33
Manual dexterity was created by adam33
I'm doing the WCA form, I have RSI, at first sight I think I'd qualify for LCWRA
Looking at the WCA manual the assessment co thinks that the only people who would score for "can't turn a page or press a button" would have a couple of severe conditions, no consideration seems to be given for the safely, repeatedly etc stuff
I'm using the best possible keyboard and mouse ergonomically (matrix style with mechanical keys and a wacom stylus), and can still only do small amounts with either hand before feeling pain, a nurse previously told me that carrying on regardless could result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
has anyone got any idea how hard and fast they follow the manual? would it be worth me putting a bit in about the safely, repeatedly etc stuff to remind the assessor? I'd ideally like to get this sorted without MR and appeal, I have two other disabilities as well, this seems like an obvious LCWRA qualifier
Looking at the WCA manual the assessment co thinks that the only people who would score for "can't turn a page or press a button" would have a couple of severe conditions, no consideration seems to be given for the safely, repeatedly etc stuff
I'm using the best possible keyboard and mouse ergonomically (matrix style with mechanical keys and a wacom stylus), and can still only do small amounts with either hand before feeling pain, a nurse previously told me that carrying on regardless could result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
has anyone got any idea how hard and fast they follow the manual? would it be worth me putting a bit in about the safely, repeatedly etc stuff to remind the assessor? I'd ideally like to get this sorted without MR and appeal, I have two other disabilities as well, this seems like an obvious LCWRA qualifier
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- Gordon
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1 year 2 months ago #283072 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Manual dexterity
A
I'm afraid I do not think you will meet the 15-point descriptor for Manual Dexterity with your RSI, the limitation expected is far higher than RSI would cause, total loss of use of the hand, also, the activity considers the use of both hands so you would need to have the limitation in both as well.
Gordon
I'm afraid I do not think you will meet the 15-point descriptor for Manual Dexterity with your RSI, the limitation expected is far higher than RSI would cause, total loss of use of the hand, also, the activity considers the use of both hands so you would need to have the limitation in both as well.
Gordon
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- adam33
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1 year 2 months ago #283086 by adam33
Replied by adam33 on topic Manual dexterity
it is in both arms, it's a question of being able to do it safely and repeatedly, I can't read books any more or type without feeling pain, and if I carry on anyway the likelihood is injury will be be more severe, there are about 5 different types of rsi
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- BIS
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1 year 2 months ago #283098 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Manual dexterity
Hi Adam33
You know your condition and how it impacts your daily living, but the challenge is ensuring that an assessor looking at your evidence against the set criteria can understand it.
You have mentioned about being able to do a task safely and repeatedly, but it isn't clear here what exactly that refers to. You don't have to explain to us - just make sure it is clear in what you write on the form. If using your hands causes you pain, you will need to explain what the pain is like, the severity of it, how quickly it happens, how long it lasts, how quickly you recover, how often it occurs and the risks of fighting through the pain and any safety issues. There's a big difference in the safety issues related to turning over the page of a book and being able to cut a vegetable with a sharp knife - so make sure you cover the breadth of how this affects you. You may struggle to convince them there is a chance that using your hands will lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (or some more severe injury)- without some evidence to back it up e.g. a letter from a medical professional, or part of an article from a website like the NHS. Remember the person reading your form may have no knowledge of RSI or the impact it can have.
BIS
You know your condition and how it impacts your daily living, but the challenge is ensuring that an assessor looking at your evidence against the set criteria can understand it.
You have mentioned about being able to do a task safely and repeatedly, but it isn't clear here what exactly that refers to. You don't have to explain to us - just make sure it is clear in what you write on the form. If using your hands causes you pain, you will need to explain what the pain is like, the severity of it, how quickly it happens, how long it lasts, how quickly you recover, how often it occurs and the risks of fighting through the pain and any safety issues. There's a big difference in the safety issues related to turning over the page of a book and being able to cut a vegetable with a sharp knife - so make sure you cover the breadth of how this affects you. You may struggle to convince them there is a chance that using your hands will lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (or some more severe injury)- without some evidence to back it up e.g. a letter from a medical professional, or part of an article from a website like the NHS. Remember the person reading your form may have no knowledge of RSI or the impact it can have.
BIS
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- adam33
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1 year 2 months ago #283115 by adam33
Replied by adam33 on topic Manual dexterity
thanks, I was talking about being able to turn pages and press buttons safely and repeatedly, as I might need to if made to spend 35 hours a week applying for jobs, or doing mandatory job related tasks, I can't really properly read books any more, I think even ten minutes would be pushing it, flicking briefly through a lightweight book is ok, perhaps this would fit under unable to move 0.5l container better, but it has to be a container of liquid I suppose, not some other 500g object
but it is either or this question not both, maybe better to focus on buttons
I'll check reputable medical sites for some RSI info
but it is either or this question not both, maybe better to focus on buttons
I'll check reputable medical sites for some RSI info
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- Gordon
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1 year 2 months ago #283127 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Manual dexterity
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Whilst this is a Work Capability Assessment, the activities do not directly consider your ability to perform work functions, so nobody is going to look at whether you can press a button or turn a page for 35 hours a week.
Repeatedly and safely are considered for the WCA but this is done by Case Law, not the legally defined Descriptors. However, there are no specified limits to these so, as an example; there is no guidance as to whether 3 repeats, 10, a 100 are reasonable and over what timescale.
Yes, the legally defined Descriptor refers to a "carton full of liquid", milk as an example.
Gordon
Whilst this is a Work Capability Assessment, the activities do not directly consider your ability to perform work functions, so nobody is going to look at whether you can press a button or turn a page for 35 hours a week.
Repeatedly and safely are considered for the WCA but this is done by Case Law, not the legally defined Descriptors. However, there are no specified limits to these so, as an example; there is no guidance as to whether 3 repeats, 10, a 100 are reasonable and over what timescale.
Yes, the legally defined Descriptor refers to a "carton full of liquid", milk as an example.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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