Disability Living Allowance

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Another successful outcome has been achieved for a child with Gauchers disease to receive Disability Living Allowance, writes Gill Greenhalgh

A tribunal has awarded Disability Living Allowance to a 10 year old boy with Gauchers disease at the middle rate for the care component (?35.80 a week) and low rate for the mobility component (?14.20 a week), both backdated for 18 months. This agreement will stand until review in on February 2001.

The family's claim was turned down at three appeals before being granted by the tribunal. What made the difference?

The family believes that the GP reviewing the case had not understood the spasmodic and debilitating nature of the boy's condition and had perhaps based his judgement on his one visit to assess the boy at home when he was walking relatively well during a stable phase of his disease.

The boy experiences episodic bone pain especially in his hips and has suffered bone crises leading to reduced mobility at times. This may have been the reason for the previous refusals of the award.

The opportunity for the boy's parents to respond to questions put by the tribunal panel allowed the panel to appreciate the reality of caring for a child with Gauchers disease on treatment.

In addition the child also suffers from intense headaches not attributed to Gauchers disease.

Update

Since this story was written, the family applied again for the allowance from February 2001. Unfortunately they have had two further claim forms turned down. Despite this, they are appealing to the tribunal. They cannot understand why they have been turned down when they were given the allowance (backdated) only six months previously. Their local Citizens' Advice Bureau are helping them fight the case.

If you would like advice on disability living allowance and other benefits, contact Gill.

Earlier story on Disability Living Alowance
Another earlier story on Disability Living Alowance
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