Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and DLA

I was wondering if anyone can assist with a claim for DLA for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or M.E.

I know reading forums on the web and even the M.E. society's website that it is a struggle for people with this condition to get DLA. Often leading to appeals and tribunals.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be a fluctuating condition and I was wondering how you explain this in the DLA for to get a successful claim.

The form is HORRIBLE.

We are not very good with words but it seems people on here have had great success with DLA on the grounds of CFS/ME.

Any help, advice, good wording would be helpful.

Thanks

Hi Snowdragon, I am not a qualified adviser, But i know that your medical condion/s, are secondary to the DLA award it is how your illness affects you on a daily basis with your care and mobility needs. I would start by just writing a diary of your days and do this for a few weeks.And also obtain as much medical evidence as you can from your GP and consultant, Hope this helps. Best Wishes.

Hi

I agree with Jeff. If you have a variable condition keeping a daily diary is helpfull with your application or appeal.

Charlie

Hi snowdragon,

I have an autoimmune disease (SLE) where extreme fatigue and joint/muscle problems are a common feature. You have to complete your form describing how your illness affects you in the worst case scenario.
e.g. Chronic fatigue and joints problems may
affect your stamina and restrict your mobility, thus making it difficult to walk short distances without feeling servere disomfort or shortness of breath etc.

The form is very daunting and I understand that the unpredictable nature of your condition can make tackling the form hard to complete.But I guess a lot of it is to do with your wording.

Hi snowdragon,

I would agree with Jeff, after receiving you DLA form you get several weeks before it has to be returned. I also think that one of the best things you can do is keep a dairy record of your care and mobility needs.

Keep a couple of sheets of foolscape and a pen handy and note everything down as it happens, and what help you have needed. Also would suggest that you actually measure your walking distance without severe discomfort if you are affected by walking.

Kathy.

There is some great advice in the members area on DLA and how to complete the form with variable conditions like ME/CFS.

I have ME/CFS and was flat refused without a medical and I'm currently waiting for an appeal date.

My best advice would be to tick the 'it varies' box and explain how you are on your bad days, and how you are on your better days
(don't phrase it as 'good days' because they can assume that on 'good days' you have no problems whatsoever).

For example:

On bad days I cannot get out of bed at all because of my ME/CFS. On better days I can only get out of bed with help from someone else.

If there isn't enough room in the box write 'see additional information' and write your answer down on a separate piece of paper.

The "The Best Possible Disability Living Allowance Claims For Adults On Physical Health Grounds" PDF in the members area is absolutely FANTASTIC for helping you fill out the form and explaining variable conditions like ME/CFS