The disability allowance (DA) application in respect of the person in question was refused on medical grounds and the person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 15 November 2013 and of his right to seek either a review of this decision or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
This decision was made by a deciding officer, based upon the evidence submitted and taking into account the opinion of the Department’s medical assessor. The evidence submitted by the person in question in support of the application consisted of the template medical report at Part 9 of the DA application form (DA1). This medical report was completed by the applicant’s treating physician in July 2013. The applicant and his treating physician are encouraged to submit any additional evidence in support of the application and the onus is on the applicant to demonstrate his/her eligibility by means of such evidence.
The medical qualifying conditions for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) and DA are different.
In order to qualify for DA on medical grounds a person must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect which has continued or may reasonably be expected to continue for a period of at least a year and as a result of the condition the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person’s age, experience and qualifications.
DCA is a monthly payment made to the parent/guardian of a child with a disability so severe that the child requires care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
