does anybody know if Polymyalgia Rhumatica classed as a disability
Disability is very much an individual thing. If the disease is making you disabled with it then you have answered your own question . IF your asking can it be recognised by social security as a disability then yes it can be , on judgement by your medical records as an individual with the disease . It is unlike fibromyalgia are you getting the two muddled up? as often the two are! the internet is full of miss information about both conditions as in fibromyalgia the blood tests are normal as it is a complexed neurological pain and polymyalgia rhumatica is proven inflammation by blood tests but even so sometimes Inflammation can show on the lower side by 20% of people who have PMR etc but still the blood work is abnormal . The similarities are in the pain areas symptoms only and the name sounds similar too.
When I was an OT assessing for UK Social Services Physically Handicapped registration (NB not Soc. Security etc.) with regard to equipment and home adaptations the disability had to be "permanent". (some Local Authorities were stricter than others but for grant-aided adaptation an OT assessment was essential) However elderly (60+) were entitled to some aids and minor adaptations e.g. grab rails without being registered as P.H.
I retired in 2007 so am not fully up-to-date with D.W.P. regulations
The 1970 Act https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1970/44/contents
Im in the UK . I got hand rails , stair rails fitted with PMR and other aids for my home and im 50 years old. If your having problems with mobility they should help adapt your home for you without questioning the cause. Its up to your Council to provide these aids .
Why do you ask, Bessy??
Check the legislation.
Yes - depends why as Mobility allowance, Care allowance, Independent/Disabled Living allowance, Aids to Daily Living and Home Adaptations are different assessments and criteria from differing agencies
I you're asking because you think you might have an entitlement to a disability benefit you should contact your local Citizens Advice. You might have an entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or if you're over 65, Attendance Allowance. PIP has two parts: Daily Living and Mobility. They will help you apply, and complete the forms. That's what they do . I know, because I'm a volunteer advisor with them. I've filled in dozens of PIP forms for clients. You should not try to do that yourself or you will not answer the questions in a way that correctly reflects your problems. Most people underplay their problems. That may be difficult to believe, but it's true!
I'm putting to link to Citizens Advice separate from my last message in case it's not allowed.
Website is www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Type PIP in the search box to see all info on PIP.
I think GCA bring workers under disability law. PMR used to be more difficult as it was considered to be an illness that would be well managed with medication. It wasn't anything I ever considered really - much as I would have liked a blue badge!!
The others have given loads of good advice.
hi andypolly reason i ask ..i have a few conditions c.o.p.d ostioarthritis . thyroid .and long term depression plus one or two more . now just been diagnosed with Pmr and have just gone through well over 12 month if severe pain unable to hardly move .ect .and this has also made my anxiety and depression worse .before i was diagnosed with PMR ....i am able to claim part 1 pip .and just wondered if PRM would help me to get part 2 ,as i now find it diffacult to drive my mobility is restricted any way prior to this condition thanks for your reply i am 68 yr old ....
You should get in touch with Citizens Advice and talk to them about Attendance Allowance as i said in my previous message.
Phone number is 03 444 111 444
You can just call the DWP and get an Attendance Allowance form from them if the person is 65 or over.
You'll find the phone number on the Citizens Advice website. Don't try and complete it yourself. Get help from them!
I completed the Attendance Allowance form by myself for both my mother and father. I found it pretty straightforward. I was able to get both day and night care with the Attendance Allowance. There are people in my village who help at our day centre who help people complete the form too. It is really up to you if you want help or not.