Atos Medicals - Questions, Answers and Support

[WouldBe]

Audio recordings.

In with my ATOS assessment appointment was a leaflet about the assessment it states

<snip> ATOS have no legal obligation to provide an audio recording. <snip>

If you would like either to ask ATOS to audio record your assessment or to audio record the assessment yourself, you must contact ATOS in advance to arrange it.

 

[audiotech]

My GP graciously wrote a letter in support of a home visit for no payment and the cunts at the DWP overruled it. I've also been informed by a neurologist that the large cyst on my brain is not causing headaches (what is? ) and it is staying put. NHS cuts probably? A fun life in store for what's left of it.

 

[buscador]

Send them an invoice for the gin - and her time off work.

Just received a reply to buscadora's second complaint letter which promises a cheque "to cover the costs [buscadora] has incurred as a result of our services". I suspect they'd have been less generous if she earned more than minimum wage, but it feels like a small victory anyway.

 

[equationgirl]

Just received a reply to buscadora's second complaint letter which promises a cheque "to cover the costs [buscadora] has incurred as a result of our services". I suspect they'd have been less generous if she earned more than minimum wage, but it feels like a small victory anyway.

Well done buscador. Pass my congratulations to buscadora

 

[audiotech]

“This is about changing the way we do business – and changing people’s behaviour by ensuring there is always an incentive to be in work,”

said Shiplee. Meaning: We will lie when assessing your claims; we will intentionallymishandle your claim to make it appear that you do not deserve benefit and we will maladminister any appeals; if you do receive benefit, we will harassyou to take part in our silly made-up programmes when you could be doing better things; if we find a way to cut you off, or you give up in despair, we will claim that as a positive benefit outcome; and if you suffer hardship,destitution or health problems up to and including death as a result, we will not record them because we can claim it is nothing to do with us.
That is my experience of the DWP, based on Mrs Mike’s experience with ESA.

Read on....

 

[ViolentPanda]

Filling my ESA50 over the last few days, and I have to admit to being in a bit of a head-scratching situation with regard to "getting around safely" (section 8, page 11), as it concentrates exclusively on "getting around safely" if you have a visual impairment!
Not to be snitty or anything, but apart from concentration and memory problems inherent to other medical issues | have, I'm also completely deaf in my left ear and have absolutely no Doppler perception (I can't "place" sounds because my hearing isn't binaural), which makes crossing roads etc nerve-wracking to say the least, as because I use sticks to walk, I have to concentrate on where the sticks and my feet go, as well as trying to visually-monitor traffic. it's not just visually-impaired people who have problems "getting around safely", you bureaucratic muppets!

I think I might be slightly pissed off.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Filling my ESA50 over the last few days, and I have to admit to being in a bit of a head-scratching situation with regard to "getting around safely" (section 8, page 11), as it concentrates exclusively on "getting around safely" if you have a visual impairment!
Not to be snitty or anything, but apart from concentration and memory problems inherent to other medical issues | have, I'm also completely deaf in my left ear and have absolutely no Doppler perception (I can't "place" sounds because my hearing isn't binaural), which makes crossing roads etc nerve-wracking to say the least, as because I use sticks to walk, I have to concentrate on where the sticks and my feet go, as well as trying to visually-monitor traffic. it's not just visually-impaired people who have problems "getting around safely", you bureaucratic muppets!

I think I might be slightly pissed off.

Remember I had that problem. Nothing about getting around safely if you have no memory etc.

In fact, none of it takes into account memory problems. They've listened to people with mental conditions, and physical difficulties, but sod all about memory

 

[Bakunin]

Filling my ESA50 over the last few days, and I have to admit to being in a bit of a head-scratching situation with regard to "getting around safely" (section 8, page 11), as it concentrates exclusively on "getting around safely" if you have a visual impairment!
Not to be snitty or anything, but apart from concentration and memory problems inherent to other medical issues | have, I'm also completely deaf in my left ear and have absolutely no Doppler perception (I can't "place" sounds because my hearing isn't binaural), which makes crossing roads etc nerve-wracking to say the least, as because I use sticks to walk, I have to concentrate on where the sticks and my feet go, as well as trying to visually-monitor traffic. it's not just visually-impaired people who have problems "getting around safely", you bureaucratic muppets!

I think I might be slightly pissed off.

It's not just visually impaired people, no. People with impaired hearing, seizures, absence seizures, hallucinations or anything else making them less aware of the world around them is likely to have some degree of difficulty in getting around safely. Sounds like ATOS are trying to pull a fast one by wording ESA50 forms in a way that makes it harder to fully explain a condition and its effects, thereby making it easier for ATOS to pass people fit regardless of their actual condition and for the DWP to simply rubber stamp ATOS assessments.

 

[audiotech]

P.R.O.F.I.T

 

[geminisnake]

I have sent off my appeal thing, but I am not optimistic. I now have to try to remember what life was like before the ABI, so I can explain how I am now, aye ok then

 

[equationgirl]

I have sent off my appeal thing, but I am not optimistic. I now have to try to remember what life was like before the ABI, so I can explain how I am now, aye ok then

Almost the very definition of irony - as brought to you by ATOS

 

[spirals]

Filling my ESA50 over the last few days, and I have to admit to being in a bit of a head-scratching situation with regard to "getting around safely" (section 8, page 11), as it concentrates exclusively on "getting around safely" if you have a visual impairment!
Not to be snitty or anything, but apart from concentration and memory problems inherent to other medical issues | have, I'm also completely deaf in my left ear and have absolutely no Doppler perception (I can't "place" sounds because my hearing isn't binaural), which makes crossing roads etc nerve-wracking to say the least, as because I use sticks to walk, I have to concentrate on where the sticks and my feet go, as well as trying to visually-monitor traffic. it's not just visually-impaired people who have problems "getting around safely", you bureaucratic muppets!

I think I might be slightly pissed off.

I found that bit incredibly hard to fill in too. *sympathy stick bump*

 

[audiotech]

I think I might be slightly pissed off.

Nine months waiting list for mental health services this end.

 

[Celt]

Filling my ESA50 over the last few days, and I have to admit to being in a bit of a head-scratching situation with regard to "getting around safely" (section 8, page 11), as it concentrates exclusively on "getting around safely" if you have a visual impairment!
Not to be snitty or anything, but apart from concentration and memory problems inherent to other medical issues | have, I'm also completely deaf in my left ear and have absolutely no Doppler perception (I can't "place" sounds because my hearing isn't binaural), which makes crossing roads etc nerve-wracking to say the least, as because I use sticks to walk, I have to concentrate on where the sticks and my feet go, as well as trying to visually-monitor traffic. it's not just visually-impaired people who have problems "getting around safely", you bureaucratic muppets!

I think I might be slightly pissed off.

i have wondered how you were getting on with the ESA50?

The process is warped

 

[Puddy_Tat]

They've listened to people with mental conditions, and physical difficulties, but sod all about memory

maybe they did but have forgotten?



seriously -

not to mention and again.

 

[ash]

Filling my ESA50 over the last few days, and I have to admit to being in a bit of a head-scratching situation with regard to "getting around safely" (section 8, page 11), as it concentrates exclusively on "getting around safely" if you have a visual impairment!
Not to be snitty or anything, but apart from concentration and memory problems inherent to other medical issues | have, I'm also completely deaf in my left ear and have absolutely no Doppler perception (I can't "place" sounds because my hearing isn't binaural), which makes crossing roads etc nerve-wracking to say the least, as because I use sticks to walk, I have to concentrate on where the sticks and my feet go, as well as trying to visually-monitor traffic. it's not just visually-impaired people who have problems "getting around safely", you bureaucratic muppets!

I think I might be slightly pissed off.

I would put what you have said (edited) - I don't have a visual impairment but I have ....... and this effects my ability to navigate in this way ........ , I don't need a guide dog but need .... aids, I also need someone to be with me in ...... Situations etc etc. might work, if not you've covered it for appeal. I studied the guides inside out but don't feel like looking at them again now my other half has got through the ordeal but I know you probably know the guides better than me.

 

[ash]

I would put what you have said (edited) - I don't have a visual impairment but I have ....... and this effects my ability to navigate in this way ........ , I don't need a guide dog but need .... aids, I also need someone to be with me in ...... Situations etc etc. might work, if not you've covered it for appeal. I studied the guides inside out but don't feel like looking at them again now my other half has got through the ordeal but I know you probably know the guides better than me.

Forgot to say but goes without saying good luck

 

[Greebo]

i have wondered how you were getting on with the ESA50?

The process is warped

Proof reading it this morning (checking for anything VP forgot to include or needs to clarify - also suggestions for tightening up the wording) before I go and post it.

 

[Greebo]

I would put what you have said (edited) - I don't have a visual impairment but I have ....... and this effects my ability to navigate in this way ........ , I don't need a guide dog but need .... aids, I also need someone to be with me in ...... Situations etc etc. might work, if not you've covered it for appeal. I studied the guides inside out but don't feel like looking at them again now my other half has got through the ordeal but I know you probably know the guides better than me.

ViolentPanda Good idea, thanks ash!

This is the type of question where being able to bounce possible answers off somebody else can be as useful as the guides, but in a different way.

 

[ViolentPanda]

Nine months waiting list for mental health services this end.

My anger won't be assuaged by anti-deppressants and therapy.

That's because it's righteous anger.

 

[ViolentPanda]

i have wondered how you were getting on with the ESA50?

The process is warped

TBF, I don't have much of a problem filling the forms in - I've done enough Incapacity Benefit, DLA and Attendance Allowance forms that the process tends to just make me feel a bit low afterward (the sort of low you get from being faced by your own or someone else's life being set out in it's full gory glory in front of you on paper).

 

[ViolentPanda]

I would put what you have said (edited) - I don't have a visual impairment but I have ....... and this effects my ability to navigate in this way ........ , I don't need a guide dog but need .... aids, I also need someone to be with me in ...... Situations etc etc. might work, if not you've covered it for appeal. I studied the guides inside out but don't feel like looking at them again now my other half has got through the ordeal but I know you probably know the guides better than me.

Good points all. Thank you.

 

[buscador]

Well, just undergone the much anticipated "medical assessment" today. At the third attempt.

My initial reaction was a (probably misremembered) quotation: "That one may smile and smile and be a villain." For, indeed, the assessor made a valiant attempt to portray herself as an ally and in fact assured me there was "nothing to worry about" at the end of the meeting.

I found myself feeling desperately sad at a situation where physiotherapists cannot apparently find sufficient work as physiotherapists and have to fund themselves by carrying out this vilely misguided and vindictive government policy. About 30 years ago I had cause to need specialist physiotherapeutic advice and there was a distinct lack of access to physiotherapists even then.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

TBF, I don't have much of a problem filling the forms in - I've done enough Incapacity Benefit, DLA and Attendance Allowance forms that the process tends to just make me feel a bit low afterward (the sort of low you get from being faced by your own or someone else's life being set out in it's full gory glory in front of you on paper).

I appreciate it must be hard, but all the advice you give is much appreciated and you've given me tonnes of help

 

[buscador]

Oh, and I meant to say, "Thank you" to everyone who's liked or replied or quoted or whatevered any of my posts on this thread because it (cheesy as it sounds) has been really helpful and supportive. I would say get yourselves down the Albert in two weeks' time and I'll fritter away my (probable) last benefit cheque buying you a pint, but I know buscadora has plans for that money and she'd be quite cross with me if she knew I'd even thought to do that. So. sorry.

 

[Greebo]

Oh, and I meant to say, "Thank you" to everyone who's liked or replied or quoted or whatevered any of my posts on this thread because it (cheesy as it sounds) has been really helpful and supportive.<snip>.

Sod getting down the Albert and blowing the last of your last benefit money, you are expected back on this thread to celebrate with a virtual party when (not "if", but "when") you eventually get the right result.

 

[audiotech]

Just a reminder of ESA Regulations 29 and 35 - Substantial Risk Exceptional Circumstances - for those that need here from the campaigning group, Black Triangle, to download for your GP to sign if you need to.

 

[Greebo]

Just a reminder of ESA Regulations 29 and 35 - Substantial Risk Exceptional Circumstances - for those that need here from the campaigning group, Black Triangle, to download for your GP to sign if you need to.

Thanks for that - here's hoping it won't be needed.

 

[teqniq]

Just WTF

Amy Jones, Cerebral Palsy Sufferer, Given Prognosis By ATOS That Her Disability 'Expected To Improve'

A woman with cerebral palsy (CP) has been told she may lose her Employment Support Allowance as an ATOS assessment deemed her disability "would be expected to improve".

Despite suffering from the life-long, debilitating and incurable condition, Amy Jones, 24, can now expect to undergo reassessment every six months....

In my job as a support worker I look after a couple of people with cerebral palsy. I have absolutely no expectation of their condition improving anytime soon.

 

[equationgirl]

Just WTF

Amy Jones, Cerebral Palsy Sufferer, Given Prognosis By ATOS That Her Disability 'Expected To Improve'



In my job as a support worker I look after a couple of people with cerebral palsy. I have absolutely no expectation of their condition improving anytime soon.

ATOS are clearly fuckwits. Even those without medical training understand that CP isn't a condition that improves.

If I ever have to go through one of their 'assessments' I bet they would say I could grow my missing kidney