Blue badge application

Everyday living
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Contemplating applying for a blue badge as my walking is very limited and when I shop with husband I struggle ie in local Tesco to get from car park into where I can grab a trolley.Also hospital car parking is a nightmare as i can no longer go on my own as need to be dropped at the door and then hubby or friend to hang on to.I have stick and use when I feel I just cant get far.Occasionally need a wheelchair if the corridor from lifts is long to any clinics.Often the hospital parking feels like miles to me with foot drop and a heavy limp.

As I dont have a diagnosis of MS yet but spent since last summer having physio, sat on various waiting lists etc before MRIS done.Now awaiting brain scan

I looked on line and started the application as to me right now its not about the diagnosis for the purpose of blue badge but the fact I have rapidly declined in even 3 months mobility wise and feel I would greatly benefit from one.

I can gather all the documentation from various team I have been seen by to forward with the application.

I would not abuse the blue badge system in any way.Anyone been successful in applying before diagnosis based on reduced mobility??Private message me please if you are not happy to reply on the forum about this.Thankyou

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I don’t recall whether the blue badge application asked for a diagnosis of a condition. However, the blue badge is supposed to be given on need not condition.

You have every right to use a very valid application criteria of being investigated for MS and anticipate a diagnosis of MS.

You have MS symptoms which you can list and can truthfully call upon your medical history and medical

investigation history to support your application.

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So now completed Blue badge form and wait and see if successfu.It would really help with independence or when husband is taking me to appointments in hospitals etc.

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Hi Mary C,

So sorry to hear about your symptoms. Have you sent the application in yet? Hope not, as you asked for advice.

At the top of the forum Is a search box. Type in Blue badge application - lots of posts.

Main thing is filing in the form as if it was your worst day. Diagnosis of MS is not enough for a blue badge.

I have foot drop in left foot. I stated that I needed to be able to open my car door wide to enable me to lift my leg out/in.

Don’t state appointments - say when they were, who with (physio) and WHY you had the appointment. (extreme muscle stiffness etc)

Here is something I found on another thread.

Fingers crossed.

Jen

If you do not get DLA they need to make a determination based on the info that you give them.

I snagged this from London Borough of Richmond to give an idea what they are looking for

Unable to walk:

• You need to show that because of your disability you cannot put one foot in front of the other.

• If your only way of getting about is to “swing through” crutches then you will be considered unable to walk.

Virtually unable to walk:

Unable to walk very far without experiencing severe discomfort; discomfort can mean either pain or breathlessness; extreme fatigue and stress may also be taken into account (It has been accepted that discomfort is subjective and that some people have higher pain thresholds than others).

Unless both your legs are missing then you will need to show that you experience severe discomfort even when using your artificial aid.

In assessing the above the following factors will be taken into account:

• Distance you can walk, without experiencing severe discomfort.

• Speed at which you walk.

• Length of time you can walk.

• Manner in which you walk.

The question is about walking out of doors not in your home.

Exertion required to walk:

This is to establish if walking would constitute a danger to your life or whether it would be likely to lead to a serious deterioration in your health.

• The criteria is intended for people with serious chest, lung or heart conditions.

• Some people with haemophilia may also qualify.

• Serious deterioration does not need to be permanent but it should require medical intervention for you to recover.

• People with epilepsy will need to show that any fits were brought about by the effort required to walk.

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I don’t think mobility is an issue anymore as people with anxiety and depression diagnosis can get a Blue Badge. It’s all wrong. Blue Badges should be for people with mobility problems only. There aren’t enough parking spaces for the people who are mobile.

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Well suprise suprise I received my blue badge within a week thats valid for 3 years.What a difference it has made as hobbling along with a drop foot and heavy limp is tiring and I have to stop to rest after even a short distance .I am better hanging on to a shopping trolley and can walk reasonably well in a shop down a few aisles with this support.

I can now go shopping alone as can park in disabled bays whereas before the badge I was shattered just getting to the front door of wherever I needed to get to. I would not dream of abusing the Blue Badge Scheme and am so grateful to have it and the positive impact it has been when I go out.

Good luck to anybody else who really needs the Blue Badge but felt they couldnt apply without a diagnosis as I did at first.

I still await test results for a diagnosis but I based my application on my deteriorating mobility over the last 8-9 months etc.

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Great news Mary,

Every little thing that can help make our lives easier is a good thing.

Enjoy shopping when you can.

Jen