Failed ESA medical (suprise, suprise)

[Fisco2k]

Ok, so i went for my ESA medical on the 29th Feb and have just received the letter saying i got 0 points.

 

The letter seems to include the examiners report and how many points i got for each descriptor which is a total fabrication and 0 points as expected on everything.

 

Note: i didn't expect 0 points because of my condition but because of what i've read here.

 

Now, my history:

 

I have been unemployed for a period of 6 years during which i have been on Incapacity Benefit (i can't remember the exact dates but it's between 4 and 6 years.)

 

I am diagnosed with suffering from Anxiety, agoraphobia and severe depression, i've been on multiple medications and now on 300mg (2 x 150mg) trazadone daily as well as sleeping tablets which i take when needed. I have been on this medication for around 2-3 years now.

 

I struggle to get out of my flat and when i am out i'm normally back in within 5 minutes due to panicking, stress and starting to feel faint.

 

I do have a history of self-harming & over dosing to the point where i'm only allowed 2 weeks medication at a time. and have seen multiple specialists and therapists for things such as the self-harming and CBT and i'm currently waiting to see a counsellor.

 

Everything was explained to the examiner and she agreed and seemed to show sympathy. but then decided to fabricate & twist everything i told her when writing the report.

 

I have scanned and attached the letter (with my personal details removed of course.)

 

Please take a look and tell me what you think.

 

My final payment will be on the 20th April which gives me 4 weeks (2 more payments) to seek advice which i'm hoping somebody here can give me.

 

I think i've blacked out all personal info, just let me know if i haven't.

 

And feel free to rip apart and dissect the whole thing. I would list everything that's wrong but every paragraph is. I was expecting 0 points after what i've heard and read here but this is a total fabrication and twists every word i said.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and any help is greatly appreciated.

 

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Edited March 31, 2012 by Fisco2k
Fixed Attachments

[Fisco2k]

Just fixing attachments now, i know they're too small.

 

Fixed.

[DanscoCAB]

Will read this tomorrow as its late. Sorry you have been treated like this but sadly you are not the only one.

 

If you haven't already, appeal and see your local CAB or other Benefit advice organisation. When you appeal you will be put on ESA assessment rate so you will get this until the appeal is heard.

[honeybee13]

Hello there. I'm sorry but sadly not surprised to learn that this has happened to you.

 

There is a forum sticky about appeals and tribunals that could help you. Even if you are able to get help from the CAB, the template helps you set out why you haven't been awarded the right number of points. The template is based on my own tribunal and several of us here have one using it.

 

I went through the Atos 'medical' report with a fine tooth comb and highlighted everything that was wrong in it. I then calculated how many points I should have been awarded using the DWP's own descriptors and went from there.

 

It might be hard for us to comment on your assessment because only you know your medical problems.

 

My best, HB