Many people are having to transfer over, and it appears the DWP are being very stringent in granting points.
I myself have had a home visit on being transferred from DLA to PIP whilst being in bed due to pain and fatigue. Just received the letter giving my only 6pts on Daily Living & 4pts on Moving around. This despite being in Chronic pain due to long term Osteoarthritis as well as Heart problems and Diabetes. Have requested Mandatory Re Consideration and Health Report. Being prescribed moderate pain relief (30/500 Co-codamol 2 x 4 day) + Capsaicin Cream to effected joints is not enough. The explanations seen in my DWP letter are littered with untruths on my Mobility and activity levels. Supported by my GP hope I will be one of the 14% (rate of success) fortunate ones. Have to hand the car back otherwise as going to appeal takes over a year to be heard I’m told. This update might help my position and many others….
Update from Benefits and Work 02-10-2019
This week the DWP updated their guidance to health professionals carrying out PIP assessments. It contains a positive change for claimants who have to live with Chronic Pain like myself. Up till now Heath Professionals have been free to make the assumption that people who are not prescribed Strong Pain Killers can’t be in much pain! So any claims that Pain limits their activities can be ignored. This looks to be what has happened in my review.
However, the new guidance tells them that “the level of analgesia used does not necessarily correlate with the level of pain.”
The guidance points out that GPs are encouraged not to prescribe strong painkillers for long-term pain because of the harm they can do the patient.
In addition, some patients may be intolerant to analgesics or they may be using other methods of controlling pain. ( as in my case using Capsaicin Cream) I also have difficulties with some of my meds making me Dizzy, weak and drowsy.
Health professionals are told that instead of relying solely on the amount of medication as evidence, they should expect the claimant to be able to describe :
The location, type, severity and variability of the pain they experience and the impact it has on their daily life.
Hope this latest news helps.
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