Support Group (eventually)

lochlisa wrote:

that is great news, I have CFS and have been denied Support Group despite my GP confirming it on the DWP form they have to fill in. Have my appeal in just over 2 weeks time so fingers crossed.

Can someone tell me if I can use someone else's decision at my appeal if we have same diagnosis?

thank you, Lisa

Hi Lisa,
My tactic was to take the descriptor I had 9 points on for "occasional" problems and point out that it was only occasional because I dont do that thing because it's a problem, and that if I had to work, or undertake work related activity it would be a frequent problem (as it happens almost every time)thus 15 not 9 points would be a more accurate reflection.

At least I assume this is why they put me in the SG, I seriously doubt I got in via exceptional circumstances or physical issues as they gave me no points for these on my ESA85 (only for cognative/learning issues). Work with what they give you if possible, even if it's nuts, inaccurate and insulting - it's probably easier to go up 1 descriptor rank than several, or prove exceptional circumstances.

Hi, been for my med in november scored 12 points was found fit to work so appealed going to tribunel friday 27th and very nervous.Well long story ive got chronic O.A.in my feet and ankles had tuns of surgery that never went to plan so i now suffer with nerve damage and lost the ability to walk. Ive tried to end my life so now im seeing a shrink and on sertraline 5 weeks in doing nothing for me. Ive not managed to gather up medical ev, just so anxous about going any advise you can give me please.

I'm sorry Katerina, I feel for you but I'm really not qualified to give advise on this, it's not related to my condition and I never actually had to go to tribunal so have no relevant experience to share.

Sorry, good luck.

thanks

Hi Katerina

There is a lot of valuable advice on how to prepare and handle an appeal tribunal in the ESA appeal guide in the members' area; it would be well worth looking at this before Friday.

People's experiences of hearings vary considerably. I can tell you that tribunals are required to be polite and courteous at all times, and understanding of your predicament. You can ask for a short break if you feel to stressed to continue. From my own experience it wasn't anything like as daunting as I was expecting.

Good luck for Friday and let us know how you get on.

Derek

You are so lucky you did not have to go to tribunal. I have had cfs for a very long time. Had a medical and gained 24 points in the non pysical descripters 6 points in 4 groups of descriptors. I have an appeal in 3wks . I am appealing on the grounds of exceptional circumstances to get into the support group. Because i only gained 6 points i expect it is more difficult to increase descriptor to 15. Any advice would be gratefully recieved. Going to cab for advice on friday.