Thanks to Jim (Tcell) for raising this. Also thanks for Steve (who is a Benefits Writer & Trainer) of the Benefits & Work website for coming back so quick with an answer.

The issue was:

"If I ask for a re-review or an appeal. Could that process result in the original decision made. Being lowered or my Disability Living Allowance being removed?"

I posted this to the members forum on Benefits & Work. You may need to subscribe to get access to this.

Steve replied:

"I'm afraid the answer to your question is that when you ask for a decision to be looked at again your award can be reduced or removed altogether. That applies regardless of the nature of the decision you are asking to have looked at.

Clearly the likelihood of this happening will depend very much on what evidence there is to support the current award. It's part of a welfare rights worker's job to assess the strength of a case and advise on the degree of risk - but there will always be some."

The HIV community is not alone in this cause. What we do through this web portal. Has a direct bearing and the experience & information given. Can and should be used by the wider disabled community. We are all in the same "boat" here.

To that end.

I interact with the wider community via The Benefits & Work website.

I have a forum on the site - DLA Review & the HIV+ Community, How our community is coping. At time of posting this forum has recieved 1000 hits.

Please take some time to familarise yourself with this website.

Thanks to Steve the owner of the site for his continued good will and support.

This site is a resource that you should use if you are trying to empower yourself to deal with any benefit issue. It does cost. However it is a good investment. We don't cover everything here, in detail. Also I will not replicate any of Steve's work on here for free. He deserves our support.