The points system!

Germantrude wrote:

What type of test do you mean?

Hi Germantrude

Please read page 24 and onwards of the Understanding Employment and Support Allowance guide that you can find here .

Derek

Derek4 wrote:

Hi smc

As a matter of interest, have you managed to score any points for mental health previously, either under the WCA or PCA?

Derek

At my last medical I was awarded 3 points from mental and that was all so I appealed and on appeal we only got as far as number 6 on the physical list and I had satisfied the PCA.

Hi smc

That's very interesting. If you were awarded points for mental health in the past, albeit for PCA, there's no reason why you shouldn't try for points in the MH test under the WCA.

Clearly the tribunal took a very different view of your physical health than Atos/DWP and they could do the same for mental health should you need to appeal, but I wouldn't put you off trying for points in the MH test when filling in your ESA50.

Good luck

Derek

Derek4 wrote:

Hi smc

That's very interesting. If you were awarded points for mental health in the past, albeit for PCA, there's no reason why you shouldn't try for points in the MH test under the WCA.

Clearly the tribunal took a very different view of your physical health than Atos/DWP and they could do the same for mental health should you need to appeal, but I wouldn't put you off trying for points for points in the MH test when filling in your ESA50.

Good luck

Derek

Thanks Derek!!

Oh yes the tribunal did take a very different view, the ATOS doctor had neglected to ask me about so many areas so many of her comments with regards to how I am affected physically were incorrect, she had asked nothing so made assumptions!

I have managed to trawl the WCA handbook this morning and found this, it implies that they will consider how physical conditions affect what they class as mentsl functions.

Therefore the mental function assessment should be applied in all cases where a specific mental disease or disability affecting mental function has been diagnosed
or when there is a condition, whether mental, physical or sensory, resulting in apparent impairment of cognitive or intellectual function.
This definition would include the following circumstances:
Where the claimant is taking any medication which impairs cognitive
function to a degree that causes impairment of mental function.
Where there is evidence of an alcohol /drug dependency problem which
has resulted in impairment of mental function.
Where there is evidence of a physical or sensory disability such as tinnitus
or Chronic Fatigue that may impact on mental function

Also this bit under awareness of hazards, which mentions neurological so for people with migraines, CFS and other neurological issues it helps.

This activity is intended to reflect the ability to recognise risks from common hazards that may be encountered by people with reduced awareness of danger
through learning difficulties, or conditions affecting concentration, including detrimental effects of medication; or from brain injury or other neurological
conditions affecting self awareness. It may also apply to people with severe depressive illness and psychotic disorders as a result of a significant reduction in
attention and concentration, but is unlikely to apply to people with anxiety disorders.

Anyway just thought I would post this in case helpful to others!