So sorry to hear your news @saturnzoon I know full well how awful it makes you feel getting rejected again. That cannot be understated. The whole process definitely has a negative effect on MH. It's an awful roller coaster of getting hopes up only to have them dashed again. Give yourself a bit of space if you need to, do some NDIS-free acivities for a bit (usually took me a week or so).
I had trouble with section 24 too. What ended up getting me through (aside from the disability advocate and legal aid solicitor that the da got for me) were VERY specific reports from psychologist, psychiatrist and occupational therapist - each of them went through the 6 functional categories mentioned in section 24 (communication, social interaction etc) one by one and gave fine details of how I am affected in each of them. This has to be done by people with 'clinical' qualifications (clinical psychologist etc). Unfortunately getting an OT report costs quite a lot, but it really helps your case. The disability advocate may be able to access funds from somewhere to cover it, not sure about that. Mine was paid for by Carers NSW when my sister-in-law became my carer and applied for it.
At the NDIS end you do a "Request for a Review of a Reviewable Decision" - there is a time limit on doing this after you get your rejection letter (however you can request a time extension if you really need it when the due date gets close). It should be mentioned in that letter where it says what you can do next. This request triggers an internal review where NDIS re-assesses your application with the new evidence you have provided (the reports mentioned above) and it has to be assessed by "a fresh pair of eyes" as NDIS says. You have to have gone through this whole process before you are able to do an 'external review' and apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) through a disability advocate.
I get that this information might be a bit much to take in at the moment - maybe print it out so you can refer to it when/if you are ready.
Pointers - I don't know what state you are in or I could get the contact details for you -
1. Carers NSW (or whatever state you are in)
2. Disability Advocates
3. Above (No. 2) will get you a legal aid solicitor
It took me all up 1 1/2 years from first application to acceptance. I really feel I know how you are feeling right now and just urge you to be gentle with yourself and take a little time out from all the NDIS stuff (a week or two). But I really want to let you know that the hard slog to get there has really worked out to be worth the effort. My life is very different since having NDIS funding for support workers, activities such as water tai chi, MH specific driving lessons with an occupational therapist, weekly psychology etc and becoming more goal focused.
Take care my friend. Here for you when you are ready xx
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