IB medical - what not to say?

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What not to say?

1. Get a move on I have a window round to finish.

2. Hurry up Wicks are delivering to the extension I am building at 2.

3. Hurry I need some sleep before night shift starts.

Hmmm. really should've read the rules first. Doh. Well, chronic fatigue does tend to turn my brain to mush. And panic doesn't help, either.
Sorry about that, Mr Mod.

Without anything contentious...

I'm due for what I'm assuming is an IB review medical assessment in 2 weeks. Just had to redo the form, so I assume it's a review and not moving me to ESA.

Anyway, I've been talking to the DEA at the job centre about voluntary work, hopefully starting something within a few weeks, with a view to starting part time work within the permitted work limits if I can manage it.
I also do tai chi once a week as part of a graded exercise plan.

Now, should I (or must I) mention these in my medical? I mentioned graded exercise in my first medical and they scored me a big fat zero points (reinstated on appeal).
I can't afford to spend 8 months on low rate ESA while I appeal again.

Thanks Dave... I'll bear your comments in mind.
I was hoping to throw them off their stride by declaring my undying love for them and desire to elope to a Pacific island. It works with telemarketers, anyway.

You must take care not to mislead the doctor. If he asks you if you get any exercise or what sort, you should not pretend that you do not get any if you do. However, there would be nothing to stop you explaining that it is part of a graded exercise programme. Likewise, with the voluntary work, if you start it, you should not pretend that you do not do it if asked about your activities.

I am not aware of any requirement to draw such activities to the attention of a medical examiner if not asked about them. I cannot see that you could be expected to go into the assessment and start off with a long list of all the things that the assessor could possibly want to know if he thought to ask about them.

So it is a question of balance and honesty. We would always recommend on here that you be honest with your replies - to do otherwise could lead to all sorts of difficulties, with the worst outcome being prosecution for fraud.

Thanks, Survivor. Nice clear advice!
It's hard not to just go into full on panic mode with these medicals.

I haven't actually started any voluntary work yet, so I wouldn't be omitting anything by saying I hope to try it in the future.

At least, having appealed and won against my first medical assessment, I know it's not the end if I fail it.

Mike wrote:

I haven't actually started any voluntary work yet, so I wouldn't be omitting anything by saying I hope to try it in the future.

As it is an aspiration that may or may not happen in the future, there is absolutely no need to make mention of any impending voluntary work.