Sources of evidence

The claimant should be able to provide sufficient evidence with regard to his/her disabling effects from the claim pack.

• However, independent and accurate evidence may be needed especially if co-morbidities are claimed. More detailed information would be provided by a General Practitioners Factual Report. An accurate Body Mass Index (BMI) value would be needed as well as a record of what co-morbidities are present.
• If the person is morbidly obese and has multidisciplinary care, including obesity clinic attendance, specialist surveillance with a view to further treatment such as bariatric surgery may be required. If the person has had bariatric surgery a hospital factual report may be required.
• In some situations, interpretation of information, results or reports may be needed and Medical Services would be able to help in this regard.

Amended April 2008