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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/20/2010
Posts: 62
Location: Manchester
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Dear All,
I had DLA refused and sent in an appeal, the CAB who helped me fill in the form for the appeal, made me an appointment at another office which I attended yesterday, this was regarding Legal Aid, the bloke who I saw said that I may aswell leave the appeal as I probably won't get it????
Also with regards to my ESA which I have also appealed, they have replied to say that they are looking at this again, he said to leave this dormant, as it can take 6 - 8 months to go through and as I am hopefully returning to work soon there wont be any point doing the appeal, he said to continue with my upcoming appointments at the hospital and GP's and works Occupational Health, then in a month if not got a return to work to make another appointment.
I want to return to work but I need to get the okay from my Consultant and Work's OHU, I am very confused and I have to say the stress of money worries etc.... it seems never ending and I just feel as though I am getting fobbed off by everybody.
Can anybody give some advice please???
Many Thanks
Michelle xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 216
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what a mess for you, Michelle! I'm so sorry I can't help, but I'm sure someone on here can...and will....very soon. Good luck, Lxx Always be aware that what you do might hurt others........and if it could, do nothing without careful consideration of the consequences
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/26/2010
Posts: 271
Location: hampshire
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Hi Michelle, sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time. I would say that you should carry on with your appeals for dla and esa as regardless of whether you are back at work or not the decision for the period of your claim in question will still go ahead regardless. The appeal/reconsideration time frame is usually about 11 weeks so I have been told. the person who told you dont go ahead with it was wrong in saying so, as nobody apart from the decision makers in this process can make the decision and it depends on all sorts of different things, no case is general cut and dried.
Hope you get something sorted out soon with hospital etc!
love Heatherxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 336
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I wonder if everyone at CAB knows their stuff. I went for advice back in 2006 to ask for advice on disability and he looked at me and said that there are people much worse off than me. It's that same thing that because having RA does not always look as ill as we feel then we shouldn't be entitled anything and that's at CAB. I don't think I'll go back there in a hurry.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009 Posts: 216 Location: Leicester, UK
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Hi Glenys - do NOT despair. Many of us go through this. It's just a matter of getting the right person to help. You must have been unlucky with the CAB person you got. 
Did you know that NRAS do a booklet to help you apply for DLA ? I can't remember whether you can download it from this website - check the publications list - but if you can't then just ring the helpline and ask them to send you a copy.
Always, always, appeal. So many of us have got it on appeal that I am beginning to think they refuse the first application as a matter of course 
It is important that your GP and Consultant back your application - and you have to write it as though it was your very worst day ! I hope you kept a copy of the forms you sent in originally. You will need to refer to them when you do your appeal and anywhere that you haven't been VERY positive, enlighten them. It doesn't matter how many times you repeat yourself, just make sure you get it through the head of the person reading it. You can enclose a leaflet telling them what RA is - after all, as you well know, many people have no idea how it is. There are lots of keywords which the booklet contains; eg. progressive, severe, debilitating, strong medication etc.
Don't give in. Go for it and Good Luck.
Warmest wishes, Ann"I cannot do everything. I accept that. Not being able to do everything is no excuse for doing nothing." ~ Helen Keller
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 351
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I would always appeal and go to tribunal if necessary. I wonder what the unhelpful CAB person would do if they were in your shoes?? I would recommend you look on the Benefits & Work site - I recently used their advice which takes you through each question, and was awarded DLA in 8 days! The website the assessors use to find out about medical conditions is this one........ http://www.dwp.gov.uk/pu...-of-medical-conditions/
Good luck! Carol
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 336
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Thankyou Ann and Carol. very interesting.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/20/2010
Posts: 62
Location: Manchester
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Hi Tabby Cat,
The benefits and work website did you pay to join and then they sent you the information or did you just use the free stuff on the website??
Thanks Michelle
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 351
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Hi Michelle, I paid to join the B&W website, it's about £18 a year (can't remember exactly) and then you can access all the downloadable DLA & ESA stuff immediately, in addition to asking direct questions of a solicitor on their forum. All the advice you ever need will be at your disposal - once again good luck! Carol
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello there - keep going and re- apply it appears to work, Chin up and let us all know how you get on Rose 
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