Appeals Process
ihave just had my review and got a letter this morning to say that it has been rejected. has any one appealled the assessment for depression. so fustrating -
I would suggest that you need to put in a Section 7 request under the FOI Act 1997 and the FOI (Amendment) Act 2003 seeking all the records relating to the medical assessment, and any other records that exist regarding your claim.
These medical assessment records will show the doctors findings on clinical review and assessment and the reason why the doctor felt you were fit for your usual work.
It would also be in your interest to ask your own medical certifier (usually your GP) whether the Department notified them of the last examination. They usually request the submission of reports and information on your medical condition when they do so.
If you decide to appeal the decision, you will have to submit a letter of appeal outlining why in your opinion you are unfit for usual work. This letter should clearly outline how your condition affects you in everyday life. If you are on medication, and it adversely affects you, explain how that affects your everyday functioning. It would be advisable to explain if you are undergoing any sort of treatment, such as counselling.
It would be helpful if you would have supporting medical evidence, which should be quite detailed, and a consultants letter would pull far more weight in terms of expertise than a GP's.
The normal process in appeal cases is that you will be called for another medical assessment by a doctor who works in the MRA section.
You may be called for an oral hearing in respect to your appeal. You will be given the opportunity to present your case to a panel of arbiters from the appeals office, none of whom are medically trained.
And if you are dissatisified with the decision of the appeals process, you can alway's revert to the Office of the Ombudsman.