Won ESA and DLA appeals

I was turned down for ESA in August 2009 receiving 6 points.

I had also asked DLA to review my award as my mobility was much worse - they did that alright, they looked at the ESA medical and dropped my care from middle to low rate, losing me my carer as my son's care allowance also stopped!

I appealed both decisions and in February 2010 I had both appeals in the same week and both in front of the same panel.

I'm pleased to say I won the ESA appeal and then a couple of days later won the DLA - giving me middle rate care and high rate mobility.

The only downside is that the DLA award was only for a year (it was indefinite before) but they were hoping I would have a diagnosis for my muscle/mobility problems before renewal (Consultant is thinking M.E)as they were unsure if my depression was worsening my mobility?

Anyway - I'll worry about that when time comes but thanks to this site (which I only found after I had both refusals) and my Welfare Rights Officer, I can now concentrate on my health.

Hi Nicola,

Golly, I feel like we ought to introduce some sort of award for people who have survived the most unfair decisions by the DWP and gone on to get them overturned.

Congratulations on your tenacity, having to prepare for two tribunals in a week is no joke and the kind of thing that could easily exacerbate anyone's health problems.

Enjoy the respite.

Steve

Well done Nicola, at least you can relax awhile now

Steve Donnison wrote:

Hi Nicola,

Golly, I feel like we ought to introduce some sort of award for people who have survived the most unfair decisions by the DWP and gone on to get them overturned.

Congratulations on your tenacity, having to prepare for two tribunals in a week is no joke and the kind of thing that could easily exacerbate anyone's health problems.

Enjoy the respite.

Steve

I think that I may be a leading contender for this award!

And Me CD,

Congrats Nichola, well done, well done X2.

Kathy