PIP MR refused. Now going to Appeal

After 21 years of receiving Enhanced DLA Mobility and having a Motability car for the last 15 years, I have today had to hand back my Motability car as my PIP application downgraded my mobility award.

I have downloaded all the relevant guides from the site and will begin the arduous process of appealing, all while trying to sell my house and move into rented accommodation as my deteriorating condition has left us in serious financial difficulties.

I have suffered with Rheumatoid Arthritis for 42 years. I was 9 when I was diagnosed and have considerable joint damage. I was first awarded DLA in 1994 whilst in a rehab unit trying desperately to regain the use of my left leg following nerve damage during hip revision surgery. This was changed to an indefinite award in 2000 when I was offered my first Motability car. In the past 18 months alone, I have suffered a catastrophic and unexplained peri-prosthetic fracture to my left femur from which I am still trying to recover, as well as two unexplained pelvic fractures.

I got the report from Atos this morning. There are so many discrepencies it's not funny. I asked for a mandatory reconsideration when I got the decision letter and sent in a letter but the original decision has been upheld.

We've managed to borrow some money to get another car as it was our only one and without it I'm completely stranded but with no No Claims Bonus and a disability the insurance is not cheap - especially as I need to have a automatic with power steering etc etc.........

My one and only piece of independence has been ripped from me. The one thing that made me feel normal - getting in my car and driving - even if I couldn't walk when I got to my destination - has been taken from me in one fell swoop by a paramedic who didn't understand my condition and a no-faced pen pusher who doesn't even know me.

And so, with the help of the guides I will begin on the long, slow road to tribunal.

Wish me luck. I think I'm going to need it

know how you feel wot not I'm in the same boat as you , on DLA for 12 years now I get the basic amount of pip its a disgrace , how people can be treat like this . this is my 3rd attempt to get the decision overturned . don't loose heart fight the swine's .