“The new benefit is totally and utterly different”, well, I wish I’d held on to the original stuff announcing PIP which had words to the effect that: “We are not changing your benefit or why you get it or the criteria for qualifying, merely changing how you claim it.” I’ll bet all copies of that announcement have strangely disappeared.
The difference in the “max distance you can walk without pain, danger etc.” was changed after the consultation closed with no chance to comment or object to it.
Now, “medical professionals”… I was assessed for DLA by two fully qualified doctors and a physio as part of their responsibilities in full-time employment by the NHS/DWP. Assessment for PIP will be by a physio/SRN working OUTSIDE the NHS/DWP doing a bit of extra work on a temporary contract for a private firm and with a quota of pass/fails to meet.
So, these are the reasons I am meant to be happy about not being on “benefit for life”? Oh joy! I feel so much better now.