17MarinePark

WestKirby
Wirral
TheDWPDecisionMaker CH485HN
PersonalIndependencePayment9
PostHandlingSiteB
Wolverhampton
WV991AG

DearSir/Madam, Wednesday8thFebruary2017

RE:PIPDecision
NINumber:JW592642C
IwriteinresponsetoyourletterinformingmeofyourdecisiontodenymePersonal
IndependencePayment.Idonotagreewiththisandamwritingtoaskfora
mandatoryreconsiderationofyourdecision.
IhavefoundanumberoferrorsandinconsistenciesintheAssessor'sreport,which
werenotwhatIrecalledduringtheassessment.
Firstly,inthereportitstatesthatIcanonlycookacoupleoftimesaweek,whichis
true,andwhilstdoingsoIneedastooltositonandassistancewithchoppingdueto
fatigue,musclepain,anddizziness.Thisshouldhavescoredme2points.Icannot
cooksafelyandreliablyallofthetimeasitwouldcauseanexacerbationof
symptoms.
IthasalsobeennotedthatIforgettotakemyinhalerquitealotandthereforethis
causesanexacerbationofmyasthma,whichiscorrect.MyChronicFatigue
Syndromecausesmeagreatdealofcognitiveproblemsincludinglossofshortterm
memory.HoweverthereportsuggeststhatIhavenoproblemswithmemory,
althoughduringtheassessmentIcouldnotremembercertaindetailssuchasthename
ofthementalhealthteam,andmypartnerhadtoremindme.Ialsoneedassistance
frommymothertoundertaketreatment,forexampletogototheCFSclinic;forthis
partIshouldhavebeenawarded2points.
Iamabletohaveabath,butamunabletogetoutofthebathsafelyallofthetime
withouttheassistanceofahandrail,duetopainandweaknessofthelegs.Ishould
receivepointsforthis.
I also believe that I should have scored 4 points for Engaging with others face to
face.
The report states that I am shy and do not like to be in groups of people because
it makes me anxious. During the assessment my partner recalls that the assessor
asked me if I was ok on numerous occasions and said I seemed anxious.
However, the report also notes that I coped well and was not anxious, agitated or
tense. These inconsistencies in the report show that the HCP is not able to carry out
a reliable assessment and report. I have social anxiety which makes me very tense
when talking to people, and I cannot engage with other people without support from
my partner, who was present with me in the assessment.

In addition to this, I have difficulties with understanding both verbal and written
information, due to cognitive problems caused by my chronic fatigue syndrome. In
fact, during the assessment I had to ask the HCP on a number of occasions what a
certain question meant. I also stated that I have difficulties concentrating when
reading. For these sections I should be awarded 2 points for each.

For the mobility questions, I should have been given 4 and 10 points.

The report recalls that I need support from another person when I have to make an
unfamiliar journey, as I would be panicking and anxious, which is true. I also am
unable to make unfamiliar journeys alone due to difficulties with planning a journey,
caused by my cognitive problems. It also notes that I am able to use taxis and public
transport for journeys that are familiar, however this is not accurate; I actually
stated that I am only able to do this around once a week when absolutely necessary,
and even this causes a great deal of anxiety, fatigue, and pain. Also, using taxis
occasionally is necessary for me, as I cannot walk for long, which I will talk about
next.

The statement She can walk for about two and a half minutes before she has to
stop... for two minutes before she can start again. On a bad day she would not be able
to start again. is simply untrue. For the majority of the time, I am unable to walk for
more than two and a half minutes reliably, safely, and repeatedly, as doing so causes
pain, fatigue and worsening of symptoms due to exertion.

In addition to this, it is simply unjust to assess my difficulties and symptoms based on

the medication that I do or do not take. I was previously taking Gabapentin, however
this made me even more lethargic and weak, and on one occasion caused a reaction
so severe that I am too anxious to try a different prescriptive drug. I have to manage
and bear through my pain at the moment with the assistance of magnesium baths, anti
inflammatories, and using my pacing treatment to avoid over exertion. I am also
about to start a second round of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for my anxiety, so
the statement that I do not have significant mental health input is incorrect.

Tosummarise,Ithinkyoushouldseriouslyreconsideryourdecision,asIneedtouse
apersontoaccompanymetotakeunfamiliarjourneys,engagewithothers,andto
undertaketreatment,andalsouseaidswhencookingandgettingoutofthebath.
Ilookforwardtohearingfromyou.
Regards,
GemmaLakin
07972803020