ATOS Help Please

[fearoftheunknown]

hi,

If someone could help or advise on this it would be great, my dad has just been called to an assessment for the above after being on DLA for 15 yrs. He has had assessments in the past which have been fine as he has numerous medical conditions. However, the last one was over 10 years ago, before all the changes came into play.

We are now on the understanding that basically, the 'new' ATOS system is private and paid on the amount of people you can sign off!! wrong in many ways..BUT, my dad is no system dodger. (he worked full time for 40 years) but now he has accute Angina, spondulitous (sorry bout spelling), IBS , anxiety and panic attacks. He is 63 years old and has been told by docs that he just has to live with it!! (due to his age). Obviously he is on medication, BUT not under a speacialist, (which I have been told is going to go against him)...

He has to go for this so called assessment next week, and I have read so much stuff about these ATOS assessments that we are all worried sick!!!

Any advise on what/how to handle the assessment would be greatly appreciated. I have read stuff about forged reports, short assessments = sign off, people dying being signed off!! etc etc...It's harsh...some advice for next week would be great if anyone has been through similar experience

[Nigel]

Hi fearoftheunknown,

to NMP!

It sounds like your dad is one of the genuine claimants, having been on DLA for 15 years. Hopefully things will be OK, especially considering his age too.

I know it’s a worry, but try not to worry until after the assessment. Firstly because there’s no way to plan what to do next until the outcome is known, and secondly, it might all be OK.

I’m sure your dad could appeal if the worst did happen.

Wishing you and you dad luck
Nigel

[fearoftheunknown]

hi Nigel,

thanks for your reply, it has been a nightmare, on-going he had the assesment mid November and was signed off IB 3 weeks later after scoring ZERO points!!!

I honestly thought they had sent the wrong report when I read it. I went with him to the assessment and it was a complete joke, the doctor didn't even examine him (which has happened in previous assessments).

we applied to have the decision over turned and this was rejected also!

So now here we are 7 months later waiting for an appeal date!!! I was fuming when I read the report as everything in it is a pack of lies. e.g. It only took 15 minutes to complete and my dad had to get of the chair 3 times during this period as he was uncomfortable - yet they gave him zero points for problems with sitting!! also they said that he had no difficulty going up to the counter to sign in - he didn't even do that!!! I signed in for him! His IBS was not even acknowledged as he suffers from incontinence at least once a week, told the doctor this and yet they scored him zero points for problems with continence!!!

Also, the doctors report says that she was asking him to do certain things which he apparently 'refused' to do! this is all through the report and complete lies! lots more to say on this but RANT over for now :-(

So this as now brought on more stress, anxiety and panic in my dad as he now takes EXTRA medication to manage stress and depression (which he was coping with before all this). He doesn't feel he can face going to appeal now as he is paranoid that they won't believe his story, it has been a very sad couple of months watcing him go downhill like this and after 7 months we still don't know when his appeal is going to be heard!!

so, on-going I am representing him at the appeal (wheneva it may be) and would like to know how far I can take this regarding the complete pack of lies that is the medical report. I'm trying to reassure my dad it will be ok but I'm not convinced myself TBH after reading the assessment report :-(

[london]

for a start ATOS is not new , is his test for dla ? and did it run out
or is it for him sickness money the same rules are the not same for both if you want to pop in chat i help you all i can
god bless

[london]

here you go tell him to stop worrying he be fine god bless

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensions...it/DG_10018692

[countrygirl]

When you go to appeal write a letter spelling out all the "lies" in the original report - go through it point by point explaining what really happened.

Remember that what they are hoping is that you will not have the strength to appeal but don't let them get away with it fight to the bitter end as about 90% of claims are re instated on appeal. The Drs are also paid extra if they sign someone off so of course they initially sign nearly everyone off so they have to appeal.

I am on incapacity benefit and disability living allowance and they are totally seperate benefits and I think correct me if I am wrong but you may be mixing up the two as atos is replacing incapacity benefit not disability living allowance. they are starting with the people who got life long or very long awards rather than the people who have to reapply every three years like me.

Get help from one of the benefit charities or citizens advice and don't give up thats what they want you to do.

I have just had to reapply for my dla but I have just been registered as partially sighted so am hoping this will help my case but its nervewracking waiting for that letter

[Chris W]

Hi fearoftheunknown

Don't become too alarmed waiting for an appeal date.. I have customers who are waiting in excess of 12-14 months for an appeal... the most important part of waiting is GATHER as much evidence as you can, especially if seizures are involved (start a diary) keep all evidence itemised so as when the time comes to go to your appeal your are ready to show your reasoning's for your appealing especially when this concerns poor performance by a DR.

Any problems email me.

Liam
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