GP Letter For ESA Appeal

Hi Ratroom,Maggie,and Derek

Maggie, Best of luck with your pending report, hope it goes well for you and it assists you in getting your pension rights.

Derek, I have used this approach with my GP for my DLA claim, and more recently my husband has for his ESA claim. I have to say that both GPs concerned were grateful that neither of us were asking them to write a report from scratch. Both are well aware of our difficulties, but our questionaires addressed specifics which sadly the DWP doctors dont do.

Ratroom, I understand completely where your coming from with regards your draft to your GP. Like myself you are very fortunate to have a caring and approachable doctor. The real reason for my suggestion in approaching a GP was really as an alternative for other members who's GP's may not be as reasonable.

Many moons ago now when I was fighting my case for medical retirement, I was sent by my union to a specialist. I was given a letter from them to the Consultant and included with the letter was a cheque. When the Consultant read the letter, he said that he was not happy because it appeared that the union were basically telling him what to write and paying him for this.

I was absolutly disgusted myself as i had no idea about what the union had included, I expected it to be just a simply explanation why I was being sent for an examination, and payment for the private appointment.

The Consultant said that he would ignore the letter and see me free of charge just simply as a patient and provide a report on my condition.

Kathy

If your GP is supportive, and what you aask them to write is simple, short, reasonable, and credible, then there is a decent chance they will agree to write to that effect. Whether they adopt m your suggested wording doesn't matter as long as they get your message across, and in a way in which the wording cannot harm your case or call it into question. Generally, the shorter the better. GP's are so busy their letters tend to be short as possible anyway, and the same applies to when you ask them, keep a written request for a letter, btief and clear, a long history of your cruel treatment at the hands of the Department is more minutes of their limited time, if its complicated, and you have a good relationship with the GP, book a double appointment and explain the implications i.e, you will end up on ther dole, jobseekers regime, rent arerars other debts, all the possible damage thatb can follow if you are inappropriately removed from/fail to qaulify for ESA

Hi Kathy
Thanks for your good wishes - much appreciated.

Hi RatRoom
Best of luck with your claim.

Best wishes to you both
maggie

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the comments on my question. Just got back from GP. He was 100% supportive of my appeal and quite shocked how the ATOS assessor could have found me capable of getting to the jobcentre, let alone attending interviews and undertaking activities. He was very pleased with the info I provided him (overview of ESA & appeal process, descriptors for SG, ATOS opinion on those descriptors and suggested wording for letter), and will now write me a letter, in his own words, based on my suggestions and ensuring he covers every descriptor that fits me (which is at the very least 5, including the exceptional circumstances). Can’t tell you what a relief I’m feeling now. Maybe able to get some sleep at last now I know I’ve got some clout behind my appeal.

Only gripe… £15 charge, but well worth it for the peace of mind!

Will let you know how good the letter is when I see it in about a week ;o)

Hi Ratroom,

Great you have the support that you need from your GP, hopefully this will be just what you need to get them to change the decision and then not have to go to the Tribunal.

I'l keep my fingers crossed for you.

Kathy x

Thanks Kathy, It took me years to get a good GP and boy, have I had some corkers before! When you do find a good one - they're well worth hanging onto! x