ptsd Ptsd

[pete]

Update: as I said before I filed for PTSD with a letter from private psychologist Axis I PTSD severe, chronic, etc. GAF score 45. Went to VA c&p AxisI PTSD, Major Depression, Anxiety NOS GAF 69 on PTSD and GAF 60 on Depression. It went to the Rating board and the rater sent it back for a second opinion to see if the depression and anxiety were separate from the PTSD. The second opinion came back saying the anxiety was separate but the PTSD and Depression overlapped "more likely than not". Anyone know what this might mean? I'm a Vietnam vet, Purple Heart, Valor medal, etc. Have a great Veteran' Day, everyone.

[Guest phubai70]

Pete - GAF stands for Global Assessment of Function.

Global covers your "entire psyche". There isn't a GAF

for and GAF for that. The VA knows this. Freshman

psych students know this. Something smells.

[Guest phubai70]

Pete - oops - I forgot to mention that the statement "more likely than not"

is a good thing with regard to a disability claim. It refers to the likelyhood

of condition being related to or caused by your military service.

Good luck and God Bless.

[Jay Johnson]

I would get the qualifications of your VA C&P doctor and compare them to the qualifications of your civilian pyschologist....my guess is the "higher of two evaluations" rule would apply as the civilian is, probably, more qualified. Also, was the civilian doctor a treating doctor? (IE -did you see this psych on a ergular basis?).

My advice is to get another civilian examination to back up the first one....with two seperate evaluations by qualified doctors the RO will be hard pressed to low-ball you (I'm sure they will, but you'll have solid ground for appeal).

[Pete53]

Most people who have PTSD also suffer from Depression. The Doc's call it comorbidity. Good Luck on your claim.