Mandatory reviews for esa.

Hi Gordon !

Just a up date, the decision maker rang me last week and informed me she's upholding my review
and agreed with ATOS. I asked her what I had failed on, but she couldn't give a precise answer, all she said my GP says I can use public transport, I have never used public transport since my injury I use my car and my blue badge. I'm absolutely gobsmacked with that answer, I enquired if she needed further evidence, to which she replied" that's up to you." I rang the following day to clarify the reasons behind her decision, she replied, " I'm not going through it again, and let's hope you send a letter, and don't ring me again."
I'm at a loss, would it be worth trying to get a supporting letter from my GP, or can you use old reports from my GP and orthopaedic consultant. Or would it be more beneficial to go straight for appeal, the reason I say this, the Decision maker doesn't seem very helpful or willing to listen, she even had the temerity to ring me up again and asked if I could work! What is all that about?

Ian.

Thanks Gordon!
Is the ESA113, a tick box Qestainaire or do they ask specific questions about your conditions and how it affects you ?

Ian.

Hi I,

I have long thought that the question within : The ESA 113 Questionnaire regarding "the use of public transport" is most ambiguous.

See extract from Question 6. "6 Could your patient travel to an examination centre by public transport or taxi ?"

There is a major difference between being able to travel to and from a face to face, door to door in a Taxi, and using Public Transport by one's self with all the extra actions that may be involved in the process.

As you will note, it only invites the G.P. to make further comments with respect to this :

" No, Please tell us why at Part 7."

At Box 7. if they answer "No"

You should be aware that the way that you manage to attend and return home will be taken into account, and you would most probably be asked questions regarding this in any face to face.

In other words, the way that you travel to and from the assessment is part of the actual assessment itself.

See : ESA Medical – What to expect

bro58

Hi Gordon/ moderators

During the process of my mandatory review, I have had correspondence and phone calls with 5 different decision makers, i dont know if this is a result of administration overload, and they are finding it difficult to cope. I just wondered if this is happening a lot in the current climate. Anyway im digressing from what I really want to say, and that is im pleased to tell you I've been granted my ESA, and put into the support group. I would just like to thank all the staff/moderators for all their help and support not just for me but everyone who uses Benefits and Work and its invaluable source of information.

Keep up the good work.

Ian