SLK

Hi, I'm new to this forum so pre-apologies if I'm posting a query on a similar issue already discussed on this forum My last tenant left my property in a terrible state. Its was filthy, infested and she allowed her new puppy (that wasn't diclosed to me was there) to defactate everywhere - so the work/replacement furnishings I suffered before I could re-let the property again was costly and lost me 3 months of rent. Admittedly, part of that delay was due to my mother passing 5 days before this tenant vacated. She was fully aware of this, appeared sympathetic at the time when I advised her there would be a delay my end. She also stated in an email to me that she expected me to take funds from her deposit to cover costs. I have NEVER received such a statement from a tenant before. Previous tenants have all made an effort to stick to the tenancy agreement and I have always returned their deposit in full. However, this tenant proceeded to file a case with the TDS. Because she did this 1st, it meant that she had 2 x opportunities to state her case. On her 2nd statement which was in response to my substantial evidence, videos and invoices, she lied - knowingly - on a number of things. All of which I can certainly prove as false if this went to court. And the TDS has since taken into account many of these false statements within her 2nd statement. The TDS awarded me some funds to re-cover costs, but because of these bare faced lies, many items were not allowed. I've since discovered she is a lawyer who specialises in property litigation, so she obviously knew the legal procedure far better than me. That is, that she would have 2 x opportunities to make a statement to the TDS if she contacted them 1st, and that I would not have that same 2nd opportunity to even prove she was lying. The TDS has said I can't do anything now other than claim via a small claims court. So the questions are please: 1. is it worth it? 2. Has anyone successfully claimed via a small claims court on a similar matter? 3. What do I claim for? For expenses still not retrieved from her? Or do I make a claim against her for providing false statements in order to obtain an outcome in her favour? 4. Can I claim for loss of income also? 5. Can I claim for defamation of charater (she accused me of charging her for betterment of the property)? Any advice would be much Thanks in advance