Industrial Injury Medical

I know Industrial Injury Disablement Benfit isn't covered much here but I'm hoping someone may have some info.
I received a letter today telling me I have an Industrial Injury DB exam on Friday 18th Feb with ATOS.
I had my last one two years ago and had it increased on appeal and it was provisional, up to 15/3/2011.

My question is :
Are they allowed to make an assessment without my GP/consultants evidence?
My GP's secretary said they have to write to them for medical evidence but they ignored it last time and I had to go to appeal. There isn't enough time for my GP to get evidence to them before the 18th and I'm worried.
The CAB helped me last time, they were fantastic.

My husband has been in receipt of Industrial Injuries benefit now for four years and has had to go for a medical every year. He is awaiting his next one anytime now. They have never written since the very first application to his doctor. His condition as a result of his accident at work was clarified at the outset by them writing to his work and his doctors and consultants at the time. He originally was set at 60 % disabled. On the second medical the DWP Doctor on his examination assessed his disability as 80%. To my knowledge they had had no further contact with his doctor or consultant. Indeed each time he has a medical for his IIB I ring and ask for a copy of his medical and give copies to his doctor and consultant for their reference. As it helps them also in his care etc. We have found also that this medical evidence has strenghthaned his incapacity and DLA claims and appeals todate.

My advice would be if you have any consultant or doctors letters OT etc or previous medicals take them with you. These Doctors at IIB welcome them and will take copies.

Thankyou cdl, I will take letters with me.
I'm pleased your husband doesn't have problems with the DWP.
The ATOS doctor last time ignored strong medical evidence which shocked me. I'm seeing my GP and he will be writing a letter for me.
Must depend on the sort of ATOS doctor you get I suppose.

On the contry three years ago he was reduced from high rate mobility and high rate care to low rate on both, just three weeks after being examined for his IIB and them putting up to 80% after being on 60% for a year before.

Our only saving grace is our consultant who is very supportive.

Indeed we have just received the short renewal form for his DLA last friday in fact. I emailed the consultant on receipt and he pulled my hubbys appointment forward so he can write us an authorative and auththantic support letter for the renewal. We went yesterday.

These benefits are a nightmare. But yes we have been lucky so far and found that with IIB nothing but a good service and result. That not to say this year it won't turn out to be a complete nightmare. But saying that I had found that with IIB the Doctors have tended to specialists in the field of his disability, Neurology.

Oh dear, you've had a raw deal, it's all so stressful and unnecessary.
I felt it was done out of spite when it was me but I hope I'm wrong.
Encouraging to hear the consultant was so supportive. Thank goodness.
Am going to my medical tomorrow morning, am dreading it but I shouldn't with a spine full of metalwork and on the list for 2 new knees caused by nerve damage done by an orthopaedic surgeon who experimented on me 15 years ago and kept me in the dark when I was having so many problems.
Heigh ho, there's always someone worse off so I shouldn't moan!
All the best to you and your husband and thanks for replying to me.

Will be thinking good thoughts for you. Good Luck. Hubby is waiting for his IIB medical due anytime too.