Lost or altered consciousness – an update

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to update the recent two‐part review of UK Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) as they affect claimants suffering from impairments of consciousness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the changes in legislation and recent opinions and rulings of Upper Tribunal judges.

Findings

Altered as well as totally lost consciousness must be considered in legislation. The yardstick is significant loss of awareness or concentration. If alcohol dependence has been diagnosed as an underlying cause then only the effects rather than the mechanism need be considered.

Originality/value

Claimants, advocates and decision makers should use these criteria when applying for, or granting, benefit on these grounds.

Citation

Sandford, P., Shepherd, J. and Cooper, E. (2012), "Lost or altered consciousness – an update", Social Care and Neurodisability, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 64-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/20420911211240911