ESA

Hello there I am new to this site. I was diagnosed with basal thumb arthritis in June last year after misdiagnosis over a period of time. Xrays were taken which showed that I had no cartilage in between the trapezium bone at the base of my thumb. I was working at the time but had to leave as I could no longer do my job which was as a specialist word processor. I signed on for JSA and explained to them my problem. Didnt want to know. When they contacted me about jobs available I explained to them that I could not do them, couldnt even write anymore. I was then put on ESA. Sent for an ATOS medical in January (wish I'd known about this site) apparently I was sent a letter then saying ESA had been withdrawn which I never received. Trusting that I am I just thought it was an oversight as the benefit was being paid into a savings account as I knew I needed that money to pay for help after my trapeziectomy. I only found out when I received my statement. I contacted DWP and requested the original letter and a copy of the medical report. I received the medical report but not the supposed original letter. I received an appeal form on the 17 March which I sent back on the 18 March with the discharge papers from the hospital confirming that I had the operation on the 8 March. Spoke to an operative on the 25 March to ask what was happening. Told me they had only received the appeal form on the 24 March apparently it goes through a sorting process. I was told that someone would ring me back in around 3 hours, 4 actually. He said Iwould be receiving some benefit once the appeal had been recorded. Received a letter on Monday saying they will be looking at the appeal over the next few weeks and giving me the opportunity to send further info. My occupational therapist was appalled that ATOS considered that I could use a 4 star tap with my condition and that they could accurately record my grip without the proper equipment. They are quite happy to produce a report if requested on the exact condition of my hand before op.and what is happening now. I doubt very much that this will be requested. Very depressed at mo. No benefit has been received at all. So much for working all my life from 15, now 59!

Hi Sidarigirl, welcome to the site.

Is it not possible for your Occupational Therapist to write you a report that you can send to the DWP for consideration, or would there be a charge?

I'm not sure what they mean by giving you the opportunity to send in further information as you are free to send it now or whenever you have it.

Best of luck

Derek

My OT would be very happy to send a report but it would be up to DWP to request it. Have to now prepare my own report to them. Dont know what to do

Sidarigirl.

Was you arthritic thumb condition caused by repetitive use in your job, if so have you thought about claiming Indudtrial Injuries Benefit, as with Repetitive Strain Injury etc

Also have you looked at the options available re Occupational pension etc. i gather from your post that you hit stste retirement age next year.

bro58