Really quick question. An applicant I am supporting has reported difficulties walking since first applying for PIP in 2017. We always said on the forms that we believed it was muscle wastage due to extreme inactivity.
Up till now, all claims have been in relation to mental health condition impacts. While I think this might still be a factor, he now has a diagnosis of a seperate physical condition which supports previous claims of walking difficulties. He has always been given zero points for Moving Around.
We're instigating a change of cirumstance review, but what are people's views / experiences for when the impacts are the same as before, but there is now a diagnosis to support them? Is backdating a possibility?
Having the diagnosis obviously helps, and it means that they will take his walking difficulties more seriously. They won't backdate anything—the PIP system isn't built for that.
All you can do now is make a case for a mobility award and make the connections to the diagnosis. Make sure you don't leave room for them to say that it's his choice that he doesn't move rather than the physical difficulties.
Remember that the diagnosis, as important as it is, is only secondary to how the symptoms affect a claimant per the specific PIP criteria.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
