DLA refusal

note:-to my knowledge it's also up to the decision maker whether consultants are contacted not a matter of policy.If a reconsideration is unsuccessful you can still go down the appeal route.

In addition to my posting regarding this matter to my knowledge it is also up to the decision maker whether to contact consultants not a matter of policy but one can request for them to do so through the D.L.A helpline ( however, they are under no obligation to do so).
Also if unsuccessful upon reconsideration one can still appeal.

I am very lucky to have a GP who always makes sure I receive a phone call from the GP practice to let me know that a report or letter she has been asked to prepare for my employer/DWP etc is ready so I can arrange to read it & let her know if I'm okay with it before it's signed & posted & I receive a copy. It is well worth any of you who don't enjoy the same service to ask your GP if they would do the same. I don't think any reasonable GP & especialy any who have been found to be supportive would object to being asked if they've written a report for ATOS/DWP & if so can you have a copy.

She has also asked me for copies of all the reports I've had from my ex employers Occupational Health staff & for my ESA50 so she's got all the information to hand for the times when she's been asked to provide any reports.

Very occasionally, I've had to accept her professional opinion may not be as definite as I might like it to be; one of the drawbacks of a fluctuating condition, but otherwise it's an arrangement which has worked well for me. I'm also very lucky because so far she hasn't charged me for any letters/reports I've asked her to do for me at my request.
maggie

Hi, I think the thing here is when you submit your DLA application form is to make sure you have all possible medical evidence in writing to send with the form. You can request copies of hospital letters to your GP etc, And they are obliged to supply you with cpoies. In fact now most hospital consultations you have when you report for your app they usually ask do you want a copy of the consultation. All this helps with your claim. Best Wishes

hi im new to this so sorry if i get it wrong, i claimed dla and received letter in june to say they had my information, i was to wait for eight weeks before contacting them. i stupidly waited ten weeks to get in touch and was told a decision had been made in june - you guessed it NO. so i asked what happens now if i want to appeal as i have missed the 30 day appeal cut off. do i reclaim altogether - will they look favourably on the claim or is this a way of getting me refused before accepting me - bit disalusioned because it seems that they are trying everything to stop claims in there tracks, i have endometriosis and diverticulosis both of which are eligable for dla. any advice before i try to sort out this mess would be greatly appreciated - i am 43 and feel my life is over - i cannot work - i cannot claim jobseekers - i cannt get much of anything in the way of help - and even the pain clinic cant do anything for me!

Hi Littleindat,

Did they not write to you once they had made their decision, thats what they are suppossed to do. it isnt up to you to ring them for their decision.

I think you need to start by ringing and asking them what date they sent a letter to you turning down your claim. if they say they sent one but you didnt get it, that I would imagine would be your starting point if you were considering appealing, which is now outside the time frame.

It is not unknown for the fact that you did not receive a letter to stand as a justified reason for your appeal being late, DWP will have to agree to the possibility of this though.

Kathy x