James Major, 33, of Harold Street, Grimsby, says he has nearly died on three separate occasions after being forced to work when he felt he was unfit, and is now calling for changes in the way benefits are allocated.
His situation has led to Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell labelling the assessment system a “shambles” and urging him to appeal.
Fisherman Mr Major suffers with blood clots and open ulcers which make walking painful and often cause him to be bed-bound.
He regularly has to travel to London for specialist medical care and has been told by professors at both Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals that he is unfit for work.
However, doctors who decide who is eligible for Employment and Support Allowances, deem Mr Major to be fit and healthy.
ESA, which is part of the Government’s benefits scheme, provides financial help to people who are unable to work because of illness or disability.
Mr Major claims he is now in a no win situation where if he returns to work he will be risking his life.
He has been brought back to land from his job at sea twice since 2010 as a result of his condition, and each time, doctors said his life was in grave danger.
The father-of-three said: “The ulcers on my legs started three years after I scratched myself on a cement mixer.
“The cut got infected and I ended up with blood clots in my legs and lungs. I was in hospital and also got pneumonia and nearly died.
