Post by mwilson on Mar 10, 2017 5:13:46 GMT 7
This story is a bit complicated, as these things can tend to be, so I'll try to keep it brief. In December 2015 I applied for DSP for a neuromuscular disorder. I was rejected and followed the review process which eventually
In December 2015 I applied for DSP for a neuromuscular disorder. I was rejected and followed the review process which eventually lead to the ARO review, which was also unsuccessful. This entire process took 10 months, not the estimated 12 weeks stated by Centrelink. The ARO gave me some advice to change the way some of my medical evidence was presented and advised me to reapply for the DSP and file for a review with the AAT for the original claim and back payment. I reapplied for DSP, contacted the Commonwealth Ombudsman, and they proceeded to light a fire under Centrelink. I also filed an appeal with the AAT. The appeal was scheduled for 3 months time. In the meantime, a representative from the Centrelink DSP fast-track area was in contact with me weekly. Eventually, I had a medical assessment with a Centrelink contracted doctor. 2 weeks later, they had approved my second DSP claim. This took 2 months.
I continued with my AAT appeal for the first claim in order to pursue the arrears back payment. The AAT found in my favor, citing:
The case was sent back to Centrelink for "reconsideration". This was 2 weeks ago. I understand Centrelink have 28 days to appeal this decision.
I guess my question is, does anyone have any idea how often these sorts of decisions are appealed by Centrelink? I am expecting the worst in the form of an appeal on the grounds of some sort of technicality, as after almost of year of being messed around, and told "no", I've learned to expect the worst from Centrelink and this seems like their standard modus operandi. At the very least, I expect them to draw it out to the 28 day mark.
Mark
In December 2015 I applied for DSP for a neuromuscular disorder. I was rejected and followed the review process which eventually lead to the ARO review, which was also unsuccessful. This entire process took 10 months, not the estimated 12 weeks stated by Centrelink. The ARO gave me some advice to change the way some of my medical evidence was presented and advised me to reapply for the DSP and file for a review with the AAT for the original claim and back payment. I reapplied for DSP, contacted the Commonwealth Ombudsman, and they proceeded to light a fire under Centrelink. I also filed an appeal with the AAT. The appeal was scheduled for 3 months time. In the meantime, a representative from the Centrelink DSP fast-track area was in contact with me weekly. Eventually, I had a medical assessment with a Centrelink contracted doctor. 2 weeks later, they had approved my second DSP claim. This took 2 months.
I continued with my AAT appeal for the first claim in order to pursue the arrears back payment. The AAT found in my favor, citing:
- That I had an abundance of medical evidence to support that my condition was the same at the time of my first application
- That Centrelink had failed to take all of my medical evidence into consideration
- That the Centrelink contracted doctor used the evidence from my original claim to confirm my current condition and the assignment of points in relevant tables for my second, successful DSP claim.
The case was sent back to Centrelink for "reconsideration". This was 2 weeks ago. I understand Centrelink have 28 days to appeal this decision.
I guess my question is, does anyone have any idea how often these sorts of decisions are appealed by Centrelink? I am expecting the worst in the form of an appeal on the grounds of some sort of technicality, as after almost of year of being messed around, and told "no", I've learned to expect the worst from Centrelink and this seems like their standard modus operandi. At the very least, I expect them to draw it out to the 28 day mark.
Mark
I have great feelings about it but im only new here so lets wait for some of the more experienced guys to drop by and offer a real opinion or information.
