Do you know if physiotherapist letters, observations and diagnostics are taken into account in ESA or PIP assessments.
I am asking this, because I thought I read somewhere, maybe mistaken that they are not taken into account unless it comes from a Doctor or Orthopaedic surgeon of some sort and I remember that at the time I read this I was taken back as I always thought physiotherapist letters and written observations were taken into account as it is still medical evidence.
Lately I was assessed by an MSK advanced physiotherapist who pressed against my hands, fingers and wrist said I did not have a lot of strength.
She also in her letter wrote that Phalen’s test was positive for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. (I was also diagnosed on Xray as having osteoarthritis in my fingers, with osteophytes deforming my fingers)
I would like to use this Advanced Physiotherapist letter when the time comes for ESA and PIP purposes and hope it will be taken into account as medical evidence but I wanted to double check with you.
Hello VIA, I would certainly recommend that you include the Physio's letter, it can only help. How much weight they give to any particular bit of evidence is hard to say since it definately varies, as much by assessor as it the author of the evidence. But any evidence, whether it is a letter from a medical professional or a letter from someone who knows the applicant well all helps to build the broader picture. Sorry this is not a more definitive answer, Catherine
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems