PIP assessor lied on my assessment form - Mandatory Reconsideration
I got my assessment back and I got 4 points for engaging with people, 0 on all the other descriptors which was shocking. I’m currently preparing my Mandatory Reconsideration and could use some advice on a few points, particularly regarding some glaring discrepancies in my PA4 report and whether to include some older medical evidence. Am applying with autism, OCD, ADHD, anxiety, tachycardia and migraines as diagnosed conditions that affect me.
I recorded my assessment and transcribed it through editing software, which has highlighted several areas where the assessor heavily compressed or misrepresented my answers. There are a large amount of discrepancies but these are the main ones:
- Taking Nutrition: The PA4 claims I can "recognise hunger." However, the transcript shows I explicitly answered "no, generally" to that question, explaining I can go 24 hours without eating and become lightheaded. The report also ignores the context that my partner bringing me lunch is a needed prompt, not just a casual occurrence. I also told him that she prompts me to eat and I only eat one meal a day.
- Washing & Bathing: The PA4 inferred that because I try to brush my teeth daily, I can reliably manage a "strip wash". The transcript shows the assessor explicitly asked if I wash at the sink, and I clearly answered "no".
- Dressing: The report states there are "no OCD rituals in this activity." But the transcript clearly records me explaining my contamination fears, specifically that I leave dirty clothes on because changing them makes me feel I've cross-contaminated my clean clothes and my living space, as well as
- Cooking: The report says I have "never cooked," but the transcript shows I explained I avoid cooking now (for about six months) but detailed previous attempts, including using alarms, burning food, and leaving the hob on.
On the older medical evidence point, I have medical records from 2017 showing "wound infection bilateral feet from shoes" and a prescription for antibiotics for an infected foot. I have significant sensory sensitivities that affect my ability to select appropriate clothing/footwear for the weather.
Is it worth including these 2017 records to corroborate the historical harm caused by my sensory issues regarding dressing, or is it too old/unrelated to current needs to be helpful? I thought it'd be useful to show it's an issue I've had continuously.
Given that I have a transcript proving the PA4 misrepresented my answers, what are the realistic chances of the DWP changing the decision at the MR stage? I know the statistics for MRs aren't great, but does concrete proof of transcript discrepancies force their hand, or should I be prepared to take this to a Tribunal?