Re-newal claim DLA reduced to low - rate care.

I submitted my re-newal claim for DLA last month, to receive my reply last week, to be told it has been reduced to low - rate care from middle - rate care. ( I got nil for mobility ). The letter is dated 29th July. I have severe rheumatoid arthritis. This shall happen, in October, if I don`t appeal. So should I first ask for them to look at my claim again / a reconsideration ? OR do I go straight to submitting an appeal with a representative ? I did not submit my GP`S medical report last month, with my re / claim as it was written March 2012, hence believing it was too old. I paid £48 for it. Although, my condition has not improved. Some medication produced side effects and I had little choice, but to stop some and change to others. I went to the Citizen Advice Bureau today to collect a GL24 FORM.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

josie wrote: I submitted my re-newal claim for DLA last month, to receive my reply last week, to be told it has been reduced to low - rate care from middle - rate care. ( I got nil for mobility ). The letter is dated 29th July. I have severe rheumatoid arthritis. This shall happen, in October, if I don`t appeal. So should I first ask for them to look at my claim again / a reconsideration ? OR do I go straight to submitting an appeal with a representative ? I did not submit my GP`S medical report last month, with my re / claim as it was written March 2012, hence believing it was too old. I paid £48 for it. Although, my condition has not improved. Some medication produced side effects and I had little choice, but to stop some and change to others. I went to the Citizen Advice Bureau today to collect a GL24 FORM.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Hi j,

Sorry to hear that !!

We recommend that you submit an appeal in the first instance, as you will then receive an automatic reconsideration any way.

If the automatic reconsideration does not result in a positive change to the adverse decision, your appeal will then be sent forward to The TS without you having to further instigate it.

(You can withdraw your appeal at any time )

If you are to submit the March 2012 report, you would also have to show that your care needs and mobility limitations had not diminished since that time.

Obviously, if you could gain a more up to date report that would help further.

You can download a GL24 from the link on this page :

How to submit an appeal

The actual form starts from around page 20.

See also :

How long do I have to appeal?

Is there any risk to challenging a decision?

What will I be paid while I appeal?

Preparing for a Tribunal

Disability Rights UK Factsheet - Appeals and reconsiderations

You might wish to request a copy of the DLA medical report, and any evidence that was used in coming to the adverse decision.

DLA Medical – What forms to ask for?

See also : DLA Guides which has an appeals guide, and :
DLA FAQ’s .

If you can gain professional advice/representation that should be a positive.

Where to get advice?

Finally, see : Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

bro58

Many Thanks bro58, J.