GL questions... (intro) DLA rejected = gutted GL

[Superstottie]

Oh and it looks pretty good - there are a few typo's in there though so might be worth you having a quick read through (or getting someone else to) to correct them as they are ones which won't get picked up by spell checker!

[GreenLantern]

Ooh brilliant thank you for letting me know about this. One question though would it effect me for getting DLA? like if I got these things would they say I wouldn't be entitled to DLA?

By the way I can not afford anything to help me unless I get this DLA money

[GreenLantern]

Thank you, I will go through it again and correct the typos.

Whoever said that it's sad and emotionally draining doing it, wasn't wrong!

[GreenLantern]

Hi, just me again

OK one more question if you don't mind!

I've been told today that a doctors diagnosis is not needed when claiming DLA and that it goes on your care/mobility needs, I was also told to have evidence of said needs, all the evidence I have is my word and my partners word, will this be enough for my appeal do you think?

[Superstottie]

I don't know your situation but the aids that are supplied through Occupational Therapists are supplied free if you have a low income or are on certain benefits. They can even help you get a grant if you need expensive things like a stair lift etc. If there are items that you could use and that are easily available (through OT for example) that would mean that you wouldn't need as much care etc then the DLA would say that you could use that aid etc even if you don't have it. The point of DLA is to help you lead a more normal life, so if there are aids etc available through OT then you should get them, and they won't pay you DLA just because you haven't got them when you can. As for the evidence part - having had an assessment by an occupational therapist is great evidence as it shows that you have sought help but there are things that you still need help with. You could also ask your Physio for a report. They won't pay DLA because you can't afford to eat because you cant work, that is not what DLA is for, it is to pay for the extra help you need and the cost incurred by having a disability. ESA is for people who can't work or find it harder to get a job because of their health/disability.

One thing you haven't mentioned is variability of your condition and needs.

[Superstottie]

Oh and if you only have yours and your partners word as evidence then they will more than likely send one of their doctors out to examine you, or call you into one of there doctors depending on what they feel like and where you live.

[GreenLantern]

Thank you Superstottie for both of your posts, I think I am well and truly screwed, from what you have said it will sound like I won't get it

[GreenLantern]

It doesn't tend to change on a day to day basis, the care I get is the care I need daily.

Some of the aids you mentioned I wouldn't be able to use such as the shower stool, I would still need help in and out of the shower and would still need to be watched in case I slip, I would also still need help sitting on and getting up from said stool and I would still need help washing as I would not be able to wash my lower half as I can not bend forward, i would also still need help with washing my hair.

Things like the raised loo seat and rails, I would still need help taking down my trousers and knickers and getting to and from the bathroom. I also wouldn't be able to use rails as I have low/weak muscle tone in my arms and there is no way I could lift my 14 and a half stone self up even with the help of rails.

[Superstottie]

You could maybe put in your letter then that you are looking into getting these things but the problems you can see you would still have, like what you wrote in your post. I do recommend that you get in touch with an OT though, as they can help.

[GreenLantern]

So would it be better to include my GPs letter even though it says I have 'what is termed a hypermobility syndrome' instead of saying I have EDS Type 3 which I put on my claim form, would that matter? Oh I'm so confused!

[GreenLantern]

I will think about getting in touch with a OT, I'm just so worried I will not get DLA because I have these things or that I will be asked to move from where I live.

[Superstottie]

When I made my claim I put that I have HMS/EDS hypermobility type and included info about them being considered to be the same, with the same problems and same treatment plans etc. I don't think that you getting help would mean that you can't get DLA. I had help from the OT before I got DLA, and I think it would actually look better that you have tried to make your life better, but that there are things that you still need actual help with, rather than being able to cure it all with aids and adaptations. One thing that you must consider is that this is not a fast process, so any help you can get now to make your life slightly better - or that of your carer - is a bonus! My having a raised toilet seat helps my hubby as he has to lift me off the toilet, so it is better for his back that he doesn't have to lift from as low, same with the sofa raiser that I have been given. OT also advise on how to do things, both for you and your carer. Mine also put hubby in touch with a local carers organisation so that he gets some help and support.