Success At Last! E.S.A

Back in November 2010 my E.S.A Appeal was turned down. I was awarded more points - 12 in total - but still not enough to 'qualify.'

I was advised to appeal to the Upper Tribunal but as I was also now suffering with an additional illness - depression - I was also advised to re-apply.

After reading on this site how other people had done the same, only to have the Upper Tribunal find in their favour, but then the decision regarding the 'new' application once again finding against them. Then to be told that the new decision regarding the new application was the one that now counted, I decided NOT to appeal but just to re-apply.

However, this time I had contacted my M.E. Specialist and had told him that I had been turned down and had been told that I had to claim J.S.A and be prepared to work a minimum of 17hrs per wk. I asked him if he felt I would be able to do this - as bearing in mind, there is nothing more I would like to do than to be able to work!

He promplty supplied me with a letter addressed "To Whom It May Concern" stating that in his opinion it would be harmful to my mental and physical wellbeing to be forced to work. In his opinion I would only be able to work 2 to 3 hours a week. I had sent this letter in with my application, along with his 6 page detailed report on me.

Finally, I had also stated on the last page that I was convinced that the depression which I had worked so hard not to give in to while being ill, and having my life turned upside down, had started due to being made to feel like a fraud by the 'system.' I also stated that I was very confused that 3 medical opinions - my G.P, M.E. Clinic and M.E. Specialist - stating that I would need to be 'phased gently and gradually' back to work over a long lenght of time, was being totally ignored.

I had ended stating, that I desperately WANTED to work again, but that I needed the 'system' to assist and work with me to be able to do this.

I had my 'medical' just last week. To be honest, I was convinced that it would go against me again. I had taken along the original report and letter from my M.E. Specialist just in case and I was glad I did. The doctor had the report, but DID NOT have a copy of the letter. Both had been sent together!!!

I heard yesterday (!) that I have been put on to the Work Related Activity Group!!!! I have also received a back dated payment of £900!

I'm sure many on here will understand when I say, that the most important thing to me was NOT the back payment or even the increase in my benefit, but the vindication of the decision!

I was so close to just giving up fighting, but really felt I had no choice. Others on here MUST do the same. I felt a drain on my family and society and seriously just wanted to curl up in a ball and die. I'm glad I didn't.

I really don't know if it was the letter from the M.E. Specialist OR my honest, open and heartfelt statement at the end of my application that got me the decision I deserve.

I can't help but feel that it is disgusting that an already ill person has to degrade themselves further by writing such personal statements in an impersonal document.

Still, it seems that is the way things are nowadays. So to all of those still battling to get a fair decision, PLEASE TAKE NOTE - KEEP FIGHTING. TELL THEM EXACTLY HOW AWFUL YOU FEEL. GET MEDICAL BACK UP AND FINALLY, WHEN ATTENDING YOUR MEDICAL MAKE SURE YOU TAKE COPIES WITH YOU FOR THE DR TO SEE!!

Hi ME Sufferrer

Well done for putting up a fight and succeeding with your claim. I totally agree that during a stressful claim or appeal the money or potential backpayment seems less important than recognition of your illness.

Regards

Derek