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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and DLA.
26 Answers
Apologies if this is in the wrong category.
I was wondering if anyone on AB has been awarded Disability Living Allowance on the strength of them having Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Or anyone with CTS has been turned down?
I have been diagnosed with it in both hands, and I am considering making an application for DLA.
TIA.
I was wondering if anyone on AB has been awarded Disability Living Allowance on the strength of them having Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Or anyone with CTS has been turned down?
I have been diagnosed with it in both hands, and I am considering making an application for DLA.
TIA.
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My partner has been trying to get DLA for 9 years since he injured his back in an accident. He has also recently had a stroke.
He has been rejected every year except last year after his stroke he was given the low care component because he can no longer cook a meal for himself due to safety.
He has been rejected because he can walk. He has constant pain,often falls because his legs go dead.Since his stroke he has weakness in his arms so struggles to use his walking stick.
I have had carpal tunnel in both hands and trigger finger. 3 ops later my hands will never be as strong as before.
DLA is for people who cannot work due to disability.
If my partner cannot get DLA with his problems I would be absolutely amazed if you got it because of a condition that is easily treated with a 20 minute op.
He has been rejected every year except last year after his stroke he was given the low care component because he can no longer cook a meal for himself due to safety.
He has been rejected because he can walk. He has constant pain,often falls because his legs go dead.Since his stroke he has weakness in his arms so struggles to use his walking stick.
I have had carpal tunnel in both hands and trigger finger. 3 ops later my hands will never be as strong as before.
DLA is for people who cannot work due to disability.
If my partner cannot get DLA with his problems I would be absolutely amazed if you got it because of a condition that is easily treated with a 20 minute op.
Thank you for your reply, samuelcat.
Your comment about DLA being for people who cannot work through disability interests me, as I have a brother who has been awarded DLA, yet he works part-time.
As well as CTS, I also have arthritis in my dominant hand, because of this I cannot work, although I wouldn't class myself as disabled.
I am waiting for further discussions with my GP, however, I have been told that there is a long waiting list for the operation (someone I know had to wait a year for the op). Were you lucky enough to get it done quickly?
Your comment about DLA being for people who cannot work through disability interests me, as I have a brother who has been awarded DLA, yet he works part-time.
As well as CTS, I also have arthritis in my dominant hand, because of this I cannot work, although I wouldn't class myself as disabled.
I am waiting for further discussions with my GP, however, I have been told that there is a long waiting list for the operation (someone I know had to wait a year for the op). Were you lucky enough to get it done quickly?
I received DLA, correctly, when I was in full-time work.
It is crucial when filling out this form that you answer the questions giving your capabilities on your worst possible day - if nine time out of ten you can walk 100 foot without pain but on the tenth day you can only walk 10 foot without having to rest you should give an answer based on the tenth days capabilities.
The CAB are excellent at filling out these forms.
Good luck.
It is crucial when filling out this form that you answer the questions giving your capabilities on your worst possible day - if nine time out of ten you can walk 100 foot without pain but on the tenth day you can only walk 10 foot without having to rest you should give an answer based on the tenth days capabilities.
The CAB are excellent at filling out these forms.
Good luck.
Yes I did get it wrong. There are some people who can get DLA and work Although I wonder why if you can work full time then why do you need benefit. My partner did appeal once and the whole process as so horrible ans stressful he never appealed a decision again.We used the disability charity to help us through it all and still lost.
We have constantly told them how bad he is.
His GP has backed our claims.
Even a neurosurgeon who he was referred to wrote a letter backing our claim.
We got nothing.
Anyway,back to the original question. I had to wait nearly 12 months for my first op,then another 6 months for the second,then another 12 months for the third,so no it isn't quick. But it does show that CTS is a very common complaint.
I have very limited work options now. I have no hand strength, weak grip, still get some numbness.
And I to have arthritis in my joints. Hands,knees,ankles and toes are the worst affected.
Put in a claim by all means but I doubt you will be successful.
We have constantly told them how bad he is.
His GP has backed our claims.
Even a neurosurgeon who he was referred to wrote a letter backing our claim.
We got nothing.
Anyway,back to the original question. I had to wait nearly 12 months for my first op,then another 6 months for the second,then another 12 months for the third,so no it isn't quick. But it does show that CTS is a very common complaint.
I have very limited work options now. I have no hand strength, weak grip, still get some numbness.
And I to have arthritis in my joints. Hands,knees,ankles and toes are the worst affected.
Put in a claim by all means but I doubt you will be successful.
Have you tried acupuncture? I had CTS and my doctor was mumbling on about an operation. I mentioned it to the guy who did my acupuncture and he stuck some needles in my wrist. It didn't get better overnight but only took a few weeks. There is no harm in trying it.
I got DLA due to mobilitiy problems - getting to and from work was the problem. However by the time it was decided on I had had to give up my work on health grounds.
I got DLA due to mobilitiy problems - getting to and from work was the problem. However by the time it was decided on I had had to give up my work on health grounds.
I think that is the point. If you look at the DLA forms they are only interested in the mobility.
My partner only got low care allowance because the stroke left him to weak to prepare a fresh meal and cook it himself.
Windywillow may get the low care component.Which is about �17 pound a week.
However, CTS is easily treated and the Dept of Works and Pensions will know that so I still doubt that you will be successful.
You will have to prove that your hands are that bad that you cannot cook for yourself.
Do you drive?
My partner nearly lost his license because they thought he could have trouble holding the wheel and changing gear.
My partner only got low care allowance because the stroke left him to weak to prepare a fresh meal and cook it himself.
Windywillow may get the low care component.Which is about �17 pound a week.
However, CTS is easily treated and the Dept of Works and Pensions will know that so I still doubt that you will be successful.
You will have to prove that your hands are that bad that you cannot cook for yourself.
Do you drive?
My partner nearly lost his license because they thought he could have trouble holding the wheel and changing gear.
you aren't going to get it for carpal tunnel
sam you sound to have more chance
you need to think about what the allowance is for - care and mobility and then think laterally
mobility allowance is easier to justify if you have a disabled parking badge - the badge isn't given lightly - the recent fuss has made it harder - and you have to pass an independant medical.
this means you don't run into the surgery - someone will be waiting for you - so as soon as you stop the car you are under scrutiny.
the magic number is 50 meters - you don't make generalisations - you don't put a brave face on - you totter and look pathetic
and a stick is a good prop
pace out 50 meters - when the doc asks how far you can walk - say 50 but point out a point (out of the window is good) that's slightly closer. (so pathetic you don't even know what 50M looks like
he'll want to know if you can walk further - sometimes - but it hurts - and I have to stand still while I recover my - breath, muscles, balance.
don't get silly - people cover their weakness - practice changing your mind - I can walk when it's flat ... but even then ... - it it rains - I get wet - I can't hurry
we stopped going to the pictures/pub - can't manage the steps
when it's over - don't dash out - take your time - all the way back to the car - or get a taxi (both ways)
once you've got that - dla will be much easier to justify
you will be watched - don't say you cant - if you do marathons
sam you sound to have more chance
you need to think about what the allowance is for - care and mobility and then think laterally
mobility allowance is easier to justify if you have a disabled parking badge - the badge isn't given lightly - the recent fuss has made it harder - and you have to pass an independant medical.
this means you don't run into the surgery - someone will be waiting for you - so as soon as you stop the car you are under scrutiny.
the magic number is 50 meters - you don't make generalisations - you don't put a brave face on - you totter and look pathetic
and a stick is a good prop
pace out 50 meters - when the doc asks how far you can walk - say 50 but point out a point (out of the window is good) that's slightly closer. (so pathetic you don't even know what 50M looks like
he'll want to know if you can walk further - sometimes - but it hurts - and I have to stand still while I recover my - breath, muscles, balance.
don't get silly - people cover their weakness - practice changing your mind - I can walk when it's flat ... but even then ... - it it rains - I get wet - I can't hurry
we stopped going to the pictures/pub - can't manage the steps
when it's over - don't dash out - take your time - all the way back to the car - or get a taxi (both ways)
once you've got that - dla will be much easier to justify
you will be watched - don't say you cant - if you do marathons
Thanks very much all for replies.
Wolf, I haven't thought of acupuncture. The Consultant said I must discuss it with my GP, but she was going to write to him recommending surgery for my right hand and a splint for my left.
Samuelcat, I think it's extremely unlikely I would get it, that's why I posted on here, asking if anyone ever had for CTS. I may have more chance of getting it for my arthritis (my brother does) but I think it's a long shot and by the sound of things, I have no chance.
You know, I wonder if the chances of getting it vary, depending on your doctor and the doctor who does the medical.
Thanks AC for your advice on how to present yourself at the medical. I don't think I'm gonna bother trying though. I sought advice from the Benefits Enquiry Line - they wouldn't give me much advice, except to just fill the form in and see what happens.
Wolf, I haven't thought of acupuncture. The Consultant said I must discuss it with my GP, but she was going to write to him recommending surgery for my right hand and a splint for my left.
Samuelcat, I think it's extremely unlikely I would get it, that's why I posted on here, asking if anyone ever had for CTS. I may have more chance of getting it for my arthritis (my brother does) but I think it's a long shot and by the sound of things, I have no chance.
You know, I wonder if the chances of getting it vary, depending on your doctor and the doctor who does the medical.
Thanks AC for your advice on how to present yourself at the medical. I don't think I'm gonna bother trying though. I sought advice from the Benefits Enquiry Line - they wouldn't give me much advice, except to just fill the form in and see what happens.
there is a lot of crap on this thread! (plus some good advice)
firstly, working makes NO difference as to whether you will get dla or not.
secondly, the forms are NOT only interested in mobility -there are 2 components to the benefit, sure, one of them is for mobility but the other one is for care (or the ability to look after yourself)
CTS is NOT ruled out for getting the benefit - they dont care what causes your disabilities, rather than what it is you can/cannot do. you really need to think about what you cannot do that you could do before you had the CTS (can you lift up pans; cook a meal; put your own sock s on and so on. Fill i the form as if you are describing yur WORST day
firstly, working makes NO difference as to whether you will get dla or not.
secondly, the forms are NOT only interested in mobility -there are 2 components to the benefit, sure, one of them is for mobility but the other one is for care (or the ability to look after yourself)
CTS is NOT ruled out for getting the benefit - they dont care what causes your disabilities, rather than what it is you can/cannot do. you really need to think about what you cannot do that you could do before you had the CTS (can you lift up pans; cook a meal; put your own sock s on and so on. Fill i the form as if you are describing yur WORST day
My partner cant even with medical backup.
Believe me we told them everything.
We went to DIAL, a disability charity who deals with claims amongst other things
Even they were shocked when it was turned down.
We have applied every year since his accident.
He receives Industrial Injury Benifit. So we have independant reports from other doctors.
I know there are 2 componants. I fill both of them out each time.
Are we all really talking crap or do you have personnal insight.
Believe me we told them everything.
We went to DIAL, a disability charity who deals with claims amongst other things
Even they were shocked when it was turned down.
We have applied every year since his accident.
He receives Industrial Injury Benifit. So we have independant reports from other doctors.
I know there are 2 componants. I fill both of them out each time.
Are we all really talking crap or do you have personnal insight.
Don't be negative when you fill out the forms. If, once in a blue moon, you can't walk further than your front door mention - saying that "sometimes ....".
The people checking the forms can only go on the information in the form. They cannot assume the effect that any illness or disability will have on you.
I have helped people to complete these forms and they are horrible. But if you can get help to fill one in it would be a good idea. Two brains are better than one. The CAB used to help people to fill these forms in - it would be wise to contact them.
I think that you have to have suffered from the problem for a certain period of time and be expected to suffer for a certain period into the future.
windywillow - I was awarded DLA(care) at the lower rate as I had problems cooking. If this is relevant in your case make sure that you stress if there are extra costs in getting somebody to cook for you or because you have to purchase ready meals.
Many people who are turned down for DLA have not put enough information in the form,
Samuelcat - I really am sorry that your partners claim has been turned down. If your partner has severe mobility problems then logically he should be awarded the payment. He/she really should pursue it, but I can understand that the appeals process can be stressful.
The people checking the forms can only go on the information in the form. They cannot assume the effect that any illness or disability will have on you.
I have helped people to complete these forms and they are horrible. But if you can get help to fill one in it would be a good idea. Two brains are better than one. The CAB used to help people to fill these forms in - it would be wise to contact them.
I think that you have to have suffered from the problem for a certain period of time and be expected to suffer for a certain period into the future.
windywillow - I was awarded DLA(care) at the lower rate as I had problems cooking. If this is relevant in your case make sure that you stress if there are extra costs in getting somebody to cook for you or because you have to purchase ready meals.
Many people who are turned down for DLA have not put enough information in the form,
Samuelcat - I really am sorry that your partners claim has been turned down. If your partner has severe mobility problems then logically he should be awarded the payment. He/she really should pursue it, but I can understand that the appeals process can be stressful.
Don't be negative when you fill out the forms. If, once in a blue moon, you can't walk further than your front door mention - saying that "sometimes ....".
The people checking the forms can only go on the information in the form. They cannot assume the effect that any illness or disability will have on you.
I have helped people to complete these forms and they are horrible. But if you can get help to fill one in it would be a good idea. Two brains are better than one. The CAB used to help people to fill these forms in - it would be wise to contact them.
I think that you have to have suffered from the problem for a certain period of time and be expected to suffer for a certain period into the future.
windywillow - I was awarded DLA(care) at the lower rate as I had problems cooking. If this is relevant in your case make sure that you stress if there are extra costs in getting somebody to cook for you or because you have to purchase ready meals.
Many people who are turned down for DLA have not put enough information in the form,
Samuelcat - I really am sorry that your partners claim has been turned down. If your partner has severe mobility problems then logically he should be awarded the payment. He/she really should pursue it, but I can understand that the appeals process can be stressful.
The people checking the forms can only go on the information in the form. They cannot assume the effect that any illness or disability will have on you.
I have helped people to complete these forms and they are horrible. But if you can get help to fill one in it would be a good idea. Two brains are better than one. The CAB used to help people to fill these forms in - it would be wise to contact them.
I think that you have to have suffered from the problem for a certain period of time and be expected to suffer for a certain period into the future.
windywillow - I was awarded DLA(care) at the lower rate as I had problems cooking. If this is relevant in your case make sure that you stress if there are extra costs in getting somebody to cook for you or because you have to purchase ready meals.
Many people who are turned down for DLA have not put enough information in the form,
Samuelcat - I really am sorry that your partners claim has been turned down. If your partner has severe mobility problems then logically he should be awarded the payment. He/she really should pursue it, but I can understand that the appeals process can be stressful.
i have both personal and professional insight.
Part of my job used to be helping people fill DLA forms in, and now i am recieving it myself (and working full time and recieving the care component) so know that the statements about not getting if if you can work, and them only being interested in mobility are not right
Part of my job used to be helping people fill DLA forms in, and now i am recieving it myself (and working full time and recieving the care component) so know that the statements about not getting if if you can work, and them only being interested in mobility are not right
I have to confess to having worked for DWP and at one stage we were filling in the forms for people. It asks questions about mobility and about your abilities to look after yourself.
However mobility issues take up the bulk of the form.
They really need to simplify DLA so that it is easier to claim for people who really need it and to ensure that nobody gets it if they are not entitled. God only knows how they will do that.
However mobility issues take up the bulk of the form.
They really need to simplify DLA so that it is easier to claim for people who really need it and to ensure that nobody gets it if they are not entitled. God only knows how they will do that.
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