ptsd Do They Or Don't They?

[fogcloud]

Does the VA use GAF scores at all? I ran across this internet article that was developed in 1998 and it states that they quit using GAF as a major determinate in 2003, but at the end they do list what the disability percentages use to be. My highes was 58 (determined on my C&P exam in Feb 2008) and my lowest in the last 3 years has been 40. Any clarification would be appreciated.

ptsdGAF.htm

[john999]

They use the GAF along with other variables. The GAF is supposed to give a snapshot of level of functioning.

[Testvet]

they use high GAF scores to lowball the veterans and tend to ignore the low GAF's unless you have a long historical history of them, like most "fluent" evidence the VA uses it to their advantage

[john999]

Amen TestVet, that is exactly what they do.

[Pete53]

In 1991 they did not use GAF scores at all but liked to use Social Workers Industrial Assessments. The VA kind of moves around and tries different things. In the old days it was fairly easy to get a low GAF score at VA but like putting a label of PTSD on a Veteran higher GAF scores seem to be the rule.

I personally don't put much faith in a GAF score. Most depressed people in an interview sound much better than they are cause when asked how do you fell today most will say fine hoping that the questions will not go on after that answer.

[william n]

Pete your so right on this..in my opinion thats a mistake a vet could/should avoid..its easier said than done i realize..i think their veiw would change if they pulled the medical records, from Release of Info, after every other visit.. william n