Cognitive & Mental Health Tests

[WHOLESALE]

Hello again, I had some testing done today by a private doctor due to my mood disorder increase and my claim for IU.

My question is how much weight does the VA give to these tests?

Frank

Edited July 23, 2009 by WHOLESALE

[WHOLESALE]

I know SS uses MRFC forms for their decisions but can these help with the VA determination?

Frank

The VA puts a spin on things? No wonder I'm dizzy...

For my appeals, my lawyer told me that I will get a IMO for a Mental Residual Function Capacity form, that will then be given to the VA or SS before the hearing. At this point, I trust him because he doesn't get paid unless we win!

Hope this helps,

Louis

[Bonzai]

I did a quick search on the BVA site looking for mental residual functional capacity, in 2009. They do review and use the conclusions listed in them.

Here is one link with success:

http://www.va.gov/vetapp09/files2/0913577.txt

Hope this helps,

Louis

[WHOLESALE]

Thanks

I did a quick search on the BVA site looking for mental residual functional capacity, in 2009. They do review and use the conclusions listed in them.

Here is one link with success:

http://www.va.gov/vetapp09/files2/0913577.txt

Hope this helps,

Louis

[Hoppy]

This is what I thought was important in getting 70%.

Most of the GAF scores assigned have been in the 50 to 55

range, although the lowest, 48, was assigned most recently.

This range is indicative of symptoms considered productive of

moderate to serious impairment, which appears most consistent

with impairment described by 50 and 70 percent evaluations in

VA's rating schedule. When there is a question as to which

of two evaluations should be applied, the regulations provide

that the higher evaluation will be assigned if the disability

picture more nearly approximates the criteria for that

rating. Otherwise the lower rating will be assigned. 38

C.F.R. § 4.7 (2008). Here, resolving any doubt in the

Veteran's favor, the Board concludes the Veteran's symptoms

are productive of occupational and social impairment with

deficiencies in most areas. Therefore, the criteria for a 70

percent evaluation are met.

It looks to me as though they relied heavily on the multiple GAF scores taken over a period of time. One day at the doctors office will not get a high rating with the VA. If the tests were some type of neurological test that the VA recognizes post the name of the tests and we can research the specific test. Maybe a neurological test would indicate a more serious and permanent disability that would override high GAF scores or be incorporated into a lower GAF score.

Edited July 27, 2009 by Hoppy

[navydoc2]

This is what I thought was important in getting 70%.

Most of the GAF scores assigned have been in the 50 to 55

range, although the lowest, 48, was assigned most recently.

This range is indicative of symptoms considered productive of

moderate to serious impairment, which appears most consistent

with impairment described by 50 and 70 percent evaluations in

VA's rating schedule. When there is a question as to which

of two evaluations should be applied, the regulations provide

that the higher evaluation will be assigned if the disability

picture more nearly approximates the criteria for that

rating. Otherwise the lower rating will be assigned. 38

C.F.R. § 4.7 (2008). Here, resolving any doubt in the

Veteran's favor, the Board concludes the Veteran's symptoms

are productive of occupational and social impairment with

deficiencies in most areas. Therefore, the criteria for a 70

percent evaluation are met.

It looks to me as though they relied heavily on the multiple GAF scores taken over a period of time. One day at the doctors office will not get a high rating with the VA. If the tests were some type of neurological test that the VA recognizes post the name of the tests and we can research the specific test. Maybe a neurological test would indicate a more serious and permanent disability that would override high GAF scores or be incorporated into a lower GAF score.

I hope thats the case Hoppy, since the same doctor did my both my cp exams. She assigned a GAF of 70 two years ago and I was rated 30%. She assigned a GAF of 50 this past April. I'm kinda in between symptoms with some in the 50% range and others in the 70% range.

[WHOLESALE]

I think the VA relies more on the objective notes in the records and exam. Many times the GAF score and the objective notes contrast each other.

Frank

I hope thats the case Hoppy, since the same doctor did my both my cp exams. She assigned a GAF of 70 two years ago and I was rated 30%. She assigned a GAF of 50 this past April. I'm kinda in between symptoms with some in the 50% range and others in the 70% range.