Absolutely livid, I've been turned down for ESA and only scored 6 out of the 15 points. Suffice it to say I have appealed against the decision and cannot understand how the doctor on that day came to the conclusion that I am fit to return to work. First and foremost, I've only just started Anti-TNF treatment and not yet noticed a great deal of improvement. Secondly, I have 4 prolapsed discs, a damaged liver and a growth in my adrenal gland and suffering from depression! How can a doctor come to the conclusion that I can sit without out discomfort and pain is beyond me when I have had several scans that have shown clearly damages to a number of joints?

When I was "examined" by this doctor I was in so much pain the following day. He made me lift my arms and legs when it hurt, and duly told him that what he was doing was causing me pain. I know I'm not the only person who has been treated this way, but I'm so angry I could burst a gasket and need to vent my spleen.

ATOS are a private company and their contract renewal like everywhere else is based on performance targets - getting as many people off ESA as they can. The doctors are not specialist, and do not take into consideration any medical reports or scans documenting evidence of a person's illness/disability. The whole thing is a farce and a ploy to put people off from appealing and claiming the benefits they're entitled. I have worked since the age of 16, and cannot understand why people are being treated like this!

Anyway, I have appealed and under the Freedom and Disclosure of Information Act have requested a copy of the ATOS doctors report and will take it to pieces to see exactly how the doctor "evidenced based" his practice that led him to the conclusion that I am fit to work when I am clearly not!

I have received a claim form for DLA and now wondering if it's worth applying for when I have been turned down for ESA?

Sorry for going on like this, but I feel so angry,

love,

Barbara
XXXXX

Oh Barbara - what can I say? I am just astounded, and also very, very cross on your behalf. The whole system is a complete farce. How on earth can they turn you down when you can only just manage to walk, albeit in severe pain?

I'll keep everything crossed now for the appeal.

Don't let the barstewards grind you down!

Much love
Jeanxxxxx

This has made me so angry Barbara, because I know you would far rather be working that suffering as you are now.
I get the impression that these people and the DLA people have decided that the only way they can stop those that fiddle the system is to refuse everyone!
If everyone appeals they will soon see that this won't work.
Good luck with your appeal, and with yours too Sylvia.

Doreen xx

I am so angry and upset on your behalf Barbara but not a bit surprised at this outcome. Sometime last year I did some training around this with the Child Poverty Groups and this is just what they said would happen to the majority of claimants. It seemed that the only people to get the 15 points automatically were those who had cancer and were on treatment except if it was breast cancer as that they have deemed curable; pregnant women whose health posed a risk to themselves or their unborn child and those who cannot walk at all. The rest was a lottery and the outcome came from the person who assessed you and the target set on the day. my personal experience to date has been that those clients who have personality disorders have also been given the 15 points and some clients with severe, enduring and chronic mental health problems.

I am so glad that you are going to run with this, indeed you have no option but to do so and wish you success. You may find the elegibilty criteria under 'THE LAW RELATING TO SOCIAL SECURITY' Supplement no 86 (March 2009). Also look under 'EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE REGULATIONS 2008'. I do have the documents here in front of me but they would only be specific to each individual. I could copy and send them to you if it would help. Doreen would give you my e mail address if it is useful to you I am sure, and we can take it from there.

Don't let it get you down. You have more than enough to contend with. We are here to support and help if we can. Use us.

Eleanor x

That terrible Barbara i would definitely appeal !

Sophie x

Oh Barbara, I am so very sorry, and so very angry at what has happened. Why oh why is it always the genuine cases who get continually kicked in the teeth?

Hope you fight it, and win in the end.

Take care,

Kathleen x

Hello Barbara

Just been reading about you being turned down for DLA I have had RA for 8 years I know what you are going through. I got DLA because I had a back operation 10 years ago but when the 3 years were up to claim again I was refused. I appealed and I got it back. You must appeal and don't give up that maybe what they want everyone to do!!! I know it's hard to keep going but that's what we got to do. Not only do we suffer physically but like you say mentally too!! I habe had depression and thats bad enough.. So keep going Barbara!!!

LoveSharon-D (New member)

Dear Barbara,
I am so sorry to hear about the struggle you are going
through to get the Benefits that you are entitled to!
I agree with you - it is all down to getting lucky with the person who
assesses you on the day and the targets!
The stress of all this is just not good for R.A sufferers! But please
fight for your rights, as I am certain you will.
It is an insult to all of us that you have been treated so badly
by the "system", especially after having spent years helping others to
know their rights.
Best wishes,
Fiona

Well said Barbara I wish you luck.I wish I had your strength, it's absolutely right what Fiona says.