Hi Oscar,
In one simple answer NO I dont think we will be asked for our opinion, because all evidence indicates that 1, people are not being listened to, and 2, It isnt working the way they thought it would, given the amount of appeals.
What i truthfully believe, in relation to both Incapacity/ESA and DLA for conditions such as FMS,CFS,ME......Is that we will all be forced to revisit our claims and all be forced eventually to tribunals to prove our entitlement.
My experience has been decision makers/EMP's can say whatever they like to deny benefit, regardless as to whether what they say is relevant, or specific to these conditions, and they are permitted to actually take their own "dander" each side of the law which clearly outlines qualifying criteria which should be adheared to. Tribunal sucesses currently show that when it actually arrives at tribunals who have no other option but to concentrate completely on what the law dictates, that this is the direction a lot of people are being pushed to. So to me, it seems that no matter what you say on paper, or no matter what you try to explain at a medical examination, it all boils down to if you can in front of a tribunal be considered as telling the truth.
So I dont ever think we will simply just be listened to, especially at the start of each process.
Kathy x
