First-Tier Tribunal Appeals

A First-Tier Tribunal Appeals assessment is a formal psychiatric or psychological evaluation designed to provide independent evidence to the Social Entitlement Chamber. It specifically addresses whether a claimant has sustained a recognised psychiatric injury as defined by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, often following an initial rejection or an insufficient award by the CICA.

The evaluation focuses on the legal test for compensation, requiring objective evidence of a disabling mental injury that meets specific severity thresholds. Our experts analyze the clinical diagnosis, the impact on the claimant’s daily life, and the direct link between the incident of violence and the subsequent psychological symptoms.

• Recognised psychiatric injury — identification of a specific diagnosis according to ICD or DSM criteria
• Causation analysis — determining if the injury was directly caused by a crime of violence
• Pre-existing conditions — evaluating the impact of prior mental health history on the current presentation
• Functional impairment — assessing how the injury affects the claimant’s ability to work and maintain social links
• Prognostic outlook — estimating the likely duration of the injury and the potential for clinical recovery
• Treatment pathways — identifying the necessity and cost of future psychological or psychiatric interventions

Our experts provide evidence that adheres to the rigorous standards of the First-tier Tribunal, ensuring all reports are CPR Part 35 compliant and suitable for judicial scrutiny. The expert acts as an impartial advisor to the tribunal, assisting the panel in navigating complex clinical evidence and conflicting medical opinions.

This assessment is critical in cases where the CICA has disputed the severity of a diagnosis or attributed the claimant’s condition to non-compensable factors. Our specialists provide the clarity needed for the tribunal to reach a fair determination based on robust psychiatric data.