A to Z of medical conditions

John

I haven't been able to find a definitive answer, so other Mods may add to this response.

The Decision Maker is not medically qualified and will always defer to ATOS, as healthcare provider, where a medical opinion is required. Given the generality of the majority of the ATOS Health Care Professionals, I would suspect that there is a very good chance that they too will have no experience of these conditions.

In this case, the only option is for ATOS to to approach a Consultant with the relevant knowledge and ask for their opinion. If the illness is as rare as you suggest, this might actually be the same Consultant(s) you and your wife see!

In terms of presenting evidence to the Tribunal, it would be worth your while including details of your illness and its affects. However, I would be cautious in presenting information that is too bulky or uses language that the Tribunal may not be able to understand. Dependant on what is available, I would suggest a layered approach, with a summary that contains the facts you want the Tribunal to take into account, with more detailed information that can be referred to if required. Remember to use a reference system that you and the Tribunal can easily use.

I hope this helps

Gordon

John

One of the Tribunal panelist is usually a doctor, it is unlikely that he will have any more knowledge of your illness than any of the other doctors you have encountered, however, he will be in a position to challenge you in medical terms, so you need to be prepared to counter this.

I am sure you have already thought of this, but you should present evidence from your GP and consultant that confirms the effects of your condition. Remember, the Tribunal can only review evidence that is co-temporal with the decision you are appealing, so make sure that evidence is referenced back to or prior to this date.

Gordon