ptsd Ptsd Diagnois, Gaf Score Question

[Signal6]

Ok I finally got my records from the VA re: my mental health eval. She diagnosed me with PTSD. the report lists the following

Assessment and Diagnosis:

AXIS I: PTSD, cognitive d/o NOS 2/2 TBI

AXIS II: none

AXIS III: osteopenia; s/p traumatic injuries to knees and T12 spine; hearing loss, asthma

AXIS IV: -

AXIS V: 65

Assessment: 39 yo M with PTSD due to combat in Iraq...PT tended to minimize symptoms and he may be feeling worse then he indicates.

Is 65 my GAF score? What should I ask for when filling for PTSD Service connection. I have always been told to ask for a certain rating percentage, then you can't compain if you don't get it. Reviewing the rating schedule, I would guess 30% or 50%.

[Pete53]

Are you working? Ask for the maximum allowed for your symptoms.

50% to 70% is about the max yu can get if you are working.

Thank you for your service

[Signal6]

yes, I am working. I will try for the max and see what they say. So is 65 the GAF?

[Wings]

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Multi-axial system http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic_an...ti-axial_system

The DSM-IV organizes each psychiatric diagnosis into five levels (axes) relating to different aspects of disorder or disability:

Axis I: Clinical disorders, including major mental disorders, and learning disorders

Axis II: Personality disorders and mental retardation (although developmental disorders, such as Autism, were coded on Axis II in the previous edition, these disorders are now included on Axis I)

Axis III: Acute medical conditions and physical disorders

Axis IV: Psychosocial and environmental factors contributing to the disorder

Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) or Children's Global Assessment Scale for children and teens under the age of 18

[vperl]

you do the math, from wicapeddia

91-100 Superior functioning in a wide range of activities, life's problems never seem to get out of hand, is sought out by others because of his or her many positive qualities. No symptoms

81-90 Absent or minimal symptoms ( e.g., mild anxiety before an exam ), good functioning in all areas, interested and involved in a wide range of activities, socially effective, generally satisfied with life, no more than everyday problems or concerns ( e.g., an occasional argument with family members )

71-80 If symptoms are present, they are transient and expectable reactions to psychosocial. stressors ( e.g., difficulty concentrating after family argument ); no more than slight impairment in social occupational, or school functioning ( e.g., temporarily falling behind in schoolwork ).

61-70 Some mild symptoms ( e.g., depressed mood and mild insomnia ) OR some difficulty in social occupational, or school functioning ( e.g., occasional truancy or theft within the household ), but generally functioning pretty well, has some meaningful interpersonal relationships.

51-60 Moderate symptoms ( e.g., flat affect and circumstantial speech, occasional panic attacks ) OR moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning ( e.g., few friends, conflicts with peers or co-workers ).

41-50 Severe symptoms ( e.g., suicidal ideation, severe obsessional rituals, frequent shoplifting ) OR any serious impairment in social, occupational or school functioning ( e,g., no friends, unable to keep a job ).

31-40 Some impairment in reality testing or communication ( e.g., speech is at times illogical, obscure, or irrelevant ) OR major impairment in several areas, such as work or school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood ( e.g., depressed man avoids friends, neglects family, and is unable to work; child frequently beats up younger children, is defiant at home, and is failing at school ).

21-30 Behavior is considerably influenced by delusions or hallucinations OR serious impairment in communication or judgment ( e.g., sometimes incoherent, acts grossly inappropriately, suicidal preoccupation ) OR inability to function in almost all areas ( e.g., stays in bed all day, no job, home, or friends ).

11-20 Some danger of hurting self or others ( e .g., suicidal attempts without clear expectation of death; frequently violent; manic excitement ) OR occasionally fails to maintain minimal personal hygiene ( e.g., smears feces ) OR gross impairment in communication ( e.g., largely incoherent or mute ).

1-10 Persistent danger of severely hurting self or others ( e.g., recurrent violence ) OR persistent inability to maintain minimal personal hygiene OR serious suicidal act with clear expectation of death.

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x

x

x

Multi-axial system http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic_an...ti-axial_system

The DSM-IV organizes each psychiatric diagnosis into five levels (axes) relating to different aspects of disorder or disability:

Axis I: Clinical disorders, including major mental disorders, and learning disorders

Axis II: Personality disorders and mental retardation (although developmental disorders, such as Autism, were coded on Axis II in the previous edition, these disorders are now included on Axis I)

Axis III: Acute medical conditions and physical disorders

Axis IV: Psychosocial and environmental factors contributing to the disorder

Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) or Children's Global Assessment Scale for children and teens under the age of 18