Oh Barbara

So sorry to hear about this added worry. You shouldn't have been put in a position where you have to appeal it's totally unacceptable. I do hope DLA stick to their word and call you back as promised. It's extremely disconcerting that someone in your position with such a serious condition and medically retired should even have to go down this route. Do these ignorant people really think you were retired on a whim? Idiots . There should be channels available for someone in such a position to be fast tracked (one assumes enough checks were done on your fitness or lack of, more appropriately, before your employer decided to retire you).

Thinking of you Barbara and keeping fingers crossed for a quick turn round on their ridiculous decision.

Lyn x

Oh Barbara - I am honestly at a complete loss for words. Perhaps the answer would be for us ALL to attend interviews on stretchers with a paramedic in attendance, or, at the very least, pushing a drip on a portable stand - oh sorry, the drip will be behind the table. I'm totally gobsmacked that you have been turned down. The whole system is a scandal.
Lots of love
Jeanxx
PS How did things go at the hospital yesterday and are you feeling any less stiff today?

Oh Barbara, I'm sorry this has happened.
If you remember, I am in a similar position, having my DLA removed because of my failed ESA medical.
I have appealed the DLA decision and am awaiting a date for the tribunal for the ESA, I too was medically retired.
It's all a shocking waste of tax payers money, when our cases should be clear cut.
I will probably have to go through 2 tribunals, the stress is going on for months along with the lack of money I was already receiving.
OUTRAGEOUS!
lots of love
Jan xxxx

So did I!! But I think you had probably changed wards by the time it reached UCH. Posted on the 4th!

Now I think back ... one of my benefits was turned down initially and I had to go to a tribunal. I too had been medically retired and already undergone a number of assessments for what used to be Invalidity Benefit, Civil Service Pension and Mobility Allowance as it was then. Must have been Attendance Allowance that was rejected but then given on appeal. I really do think they should get their acts together instead of constantly re-assessing. Surely medical retirement speaks for itself for the main part or it should at least form the basis on which other things are assessed.

I lost some benefits as anti tnfs improved my health (fair enough) but it doesn't get me my job back and I'm still unemployable and still broke! Now tax credits have messed up ... idiots!!

Lyn x

Oh for crying out loud Barbara. This makes me sooooo cross.
Perhaps you should start taking the illegal drugs and you'll probably be accepted. Oooooh I am so mad.........

Hello Barbara,

So sorry to hear about refusal for DLA - on top of all your latest medical problems
Have you got a copy of the NRAS booklet which deals with applying for DLA?
I thought I was good on the 'forms front', but it was very helpful to me.
I was refused first time round, even though I too had retired on ill-health grounds.
My GP, consultant AND the works doctor, all backed up my application to the hilt and yet they still refused.
I was accepted on appeal! It IS so frustrating and the stress only adds to the medical problems. The money was back-dated to the original date of application, so that was useful. I had to fill in forms every year for the next two or three years and each time I had a new replacement joint, or further medical problems. It's important to keep a copy of what you send them because it is hard to remember what you have written. Now I have DLA 'indefinately' and it is quite a relief!

So don't give up. There is some poor sod in the DWP who knows absolutely nowt about RA and hopefully, the next time it goes through the system, you will get someone who does have an inkling about the condition. Just keep banging on, saying the same thing. Keywords are: pain, discomfort, progressive condition, and don't worry about how many times you say these words. Think of your worst day and write it down.

If you haven't got them, ask your Doc and Consultant for a copy of their letters to the DWP.You need to know what they have said. I had to ask my consultant to change the wording in his - he was quite happy to do that. In your appeal, you can add your most recent problems and your stay in hospital. Don't hold back - tell 'em how it is!

Email me if you want to ask me anything about it - although it is a good few years since I got mine. monty21@ntlworld.com

Go for it

Love Ann

Oh Barbara I can't believe what I've just read. We all are very aware of how things are for you at the moment. I'm so angry, we all know of people who are getting benefits when they shouldn't. It's because of the likes of them that it now makes it so difficult for genuine people like yourself.

I'm sure you have read the link I put up about DLA, an article that what was in the Daily Mail. I read another one a few days ago, a woman with 7 children on benefits, a single mum (so she looks after them by herself) claims DLA because she's got a bad back. According to the article she is getting £30,000 a year in benefits, she claimed that if she got married she would be £200 a week worse off, there is something so so wrong with the system if this allowed to happen.

Because I'm getting worse at the moment I was thinking about applying for it, family and friends keep telling me to, but after reading about you I haven't a cat in hells chance of getting it.

You APPEAL Barbara this is so wrong. Can you go to your MP for help? I really think that the powers that be should be made aware of what is happening and how people with 'real' health problems are being turned down.

Love Paula x x

Oh Barbara, what an utterly senseless decision by some moron at the Benefits place. How ill do you have to be? So sorry you have all this to deal with on top of your medical problems.

Take care,

Kathleen x

PS I, too, sent a card, but it is probably still in the hopital ether!!

Hi Barbara

sorry to hear you have been turned down for DLA not sure why they have done this as it is for people who can not access public transport I know of people who have all the ability to walk but can not travel where there is lots of people and I know some who have dilyxia and have got it.
one idea is get your DR to fill your illness parts in and then go to Community advice centre to ask them to fill in your other part and if you can not get to there office ask them to visit you and when they make you an appointment for there DR make sure he comes to you not you to him as if you get to him he thinks you have no travel problem.
drop me your e mail adress and i will let you have a list of thinks my OT and DR told me to put on my DLA sheet my email is audreygarner@talktalk.net. good luck with your appeal.

Love Audrey.

XX