DLA refused

Could someone please help me? Was totally refused both components of DLA. Filled the forms in to perfection using your website, which is brilliant! Have osteroarthritis in my hips, knees, wrists and thumbs, which i believe is slowly spreading all over my body. Also have sciatica and trapped nerves in my arm, for all which i am taking strong painkillers, not to mention my other illness. Anyway DLA decision was based on my GP's report, which i received yesterday. Ive made a point of seeing my GP every 2-3 months giving updates of how my disabilites effect my every day way of life, obvisously to no avail as on the medical report she put in the boxes "NO PROBLEMS RECORDED" How then am i susposed to fight that decision when my doctor is stating that i'm no less than a liar, and obviously DLA think there is nothing wrong with me either!! How can i even fight a tribunal When my own GP cant support what im saying?

Hi Beverly,

It's going to be hard if you own GP will not support since they're usually the first person the DWP contacts.

Are you not under any Consultants who you could ask for a report on your medical conditions ? If not, could you not see a Consultant Rheumatologist private, it would cost around £100 for such a report.

If that's not possible, then I'd still go ahead and appeal to a tribunal, since you've nothing to lose. A DLA Tribunal has a doctor and a Disability Specialist on the panel, and it's not uncommon for them not to agree with a doctors report whether it's from a DWP doctor or your own GP. Tribunals are free to make their own decisions.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

Pat

Thankyou for replying, unfortunately i am not under any consultant, just have the usual x-rays etc., and strong painkillers encluding Tramadol and co-codamol 30/500mg which i take 2 four times aday! I just dont know what to do about this! Its very debilitating when you own GP cant support you illnesses! I would be totally freaked out by attending a tribunal!

Beverley, pardon me for jumping in here. But you should never go to a tribunal without representation. First talk your case over with a Advice Service such as CAB or DIAL, they can often provide a representative and will help you with your appeal, make sure you appeal within the time allowed, now one month, I believe. I'm not an expert just trying to help so seek further advice on here. One bit of comfort is many appeals are successful if dealt with properly and usualy the appeal panels are respectful, especially if you have a trained person with you so dont be freaked. Good luck

I'd like to point out that I've just been to my first tribunal (last week). I didn't have representation from the CAB, as they clearly told me as I owned my own home, they couldn't fund my case and therefore I would have to go with a friend, instead.

Nairn well done,

Did you win you dont say. I hope so. I'm a claimant myself and using this forum to assist me!

You dont say what your appeal was for, but generally appelants are more successful when represented and as Bevereley has said she would be freaked, its better for her to try and find someone to represent her, after talking her case over with a trained adviser.

CAB refusing funding as you owned your home sounds a strange decision to me, as I said I'm not an expert just trying to offer support to Beverely on DLA medical appeal tribunal.

Michael