SEVERE ME - TURNED DOWN FOR SG ON RECONSIDERATION

I have severe ME and FMS - I was awarded WRAG - medically I am not going to be able to do WRA and so on reconsideration I asked to be moved to SG. I sent in a further copy of my specialists very detailed and lengthy medical report and asked them to apply the fluctuating conditions criteria to my case. I also pleaded again the problems I have with mobilising and cited the specilist's advice on that particular issue in support of my argument.

They got the papers [18 pages of detailed evidence] on the Monday and the decision letter saying they were not changing their mind was dated that very day - quite simply there is no way they could have given my request any real or meaningful consideration. The DWP had told me to send in my appeal papers and reconsideration request at the same time - now I can see why. I imagine they looked at my appeal documentation and when they saw it mentioned fluctuating conditions they just reckoned to themselves "let the appeal deal with the fluctuating conditions" and binned my reconsideration.

On the reverse of the reconsideration reply letter it says that you can ask them to "look at the decision again to see if it can be changed. There may be some facts you think we have overlooked"

I am wondering can I write back and make an exceptional circumstances case for entry to SG? But if I do that would that compromise my chances on appeal???

I genuinely feel like I have been scammed. I know they are doing this to lots of people but it is making me so sick trying to do all this stuff and when you are met with such cynicism from their side it is very hard to take

It is mandatory for DWP to reconsider your case when you submit an appeal, the case is only passed to the Appeals Tribunal if the recon does not go in your favour. If you have further evidence it is worth sending it to DWP, even if they have already carried out the mandatory recon. Or you could sent it to the Tribunal service when you hear from them and they will forward a copy to DWP.