Rating For Depression

[sehinchee]

How much weight does the GAF score have with the raters? I have been diagnosed with a mood disorder secondary to my SC condition. My GAF score is 48 and I have been put on Venlafaxine. My VSO filed a claim for me, as the diagnosis clearly states that the mood disorder is secondary to my SC condition. Anyone have any idea what I should expect?

[john999]

Are you working? If you are working it does not matter about a low GAF you will not get a really high percentage rating. If you are not working with a GAF of 48 then you could get 70% or higher. This is speculation because you won't know until you get the rating, but if you are not working due to your SC conditions you should be in the TDIU or 100% ballpark.

[mags1023]

[john999]

A GAF of 48 means you have serious symptoms. I had a GAF of 50 and I got 70%. I also had three medical opinions which should have put me at 100%. If your symptoms make it impossible for you to work that is the main question in mental claims. Being able to work is what separates those with ratings of 50% and those with ratings of 70%-100%. You can have paranoid delusions and hallucinations, but it you show up for work every day you won't get 100% rating.

[sehinchee]

I have a full time job, most of the symptoms reflect problems with my family life (wife and kids), which are pretty bad. I looked at the DC and figured I would get 30%

[carlie]

secihchee,

Remember that if you are currently SC'd at 30 % and get

granted an additional disability at another 30 % -

the total will not equal 60 %.

Just posting this incase you don't know it already,

carlie

[Pete53]

30 + 30 = 50 and 50 is a good place if you are working.