Any psychologists etc here?

SilthDraeth

Platinum Member
Oct 28, 2003
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I have a GAF score (Global Axis of Functioning) given by the VA and I would like to PM someone that knows what it is all about, so I can get an understanding of what that score means in the real world. Thanks.
 

allisolm

Elite Member
Administrator
Jan 2, 2001
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I do not know about analysis of this, but I hope the score was above 10.
 

Mursilis

Diamond Member
Mar 11, 2001
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Originally posted by: SilthDraeth
I have a GAF score (Global Axis of Functioning) given by the VA and I would like to PM someone that knows what it is all about, so I can get an understanding of what that score means in the real world. Thanks.

A GAF is going to be somewhat irrelevant without knowing what was diagnosed on each axis, and whether the GAF was assigned based on any Axis I diagnosis alone, or the whole medical picture, including non-psychiatric disabilities. What are you trying to determine? If your VA rating was correct?
 

moonbit

Senior member
Dec 15, 2006
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Originally posted by: Mursilis
Originally posted by: SilthDraeth
I have a GAF score (Global Axis of Functioning) given by the VA and I would like to PM someone that knows what it is all about, so I can get an understanding of what that score means in the real world. Thanks.

A GAF is going to be somewhat irrelevant without knowing what was diagnosed on each axis, and whether the GAF was assigned based on any Axis I diagnosis alone, or the whole medical picture, including non-psychiatric disabilities. What are you trying to determine? If your VA rating was correct?

Ideally a GAF should be exactly what it name says: global, not based on any one aspect of functioning. But yeah, you should consider what the other axes say as well. They are meant to be taken together.

Go to your library, or google "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition" or DSM-IV. There's a guide to the scale towards the beginning of the book.

Even with the scale, the GAF is considered somewhat subjective.
 

Mursilis

Diamond Member
Mar 11, 2001
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Originally posted by: moonbit
Originally posted by: Mursilis
Originally posted by: SilthDraeth
I have a GAF score (Global Axis of Functioning) given by the VA and I would like to PM someone that knows what it is all about, so I can get an understanding of what that score means in the real world. Thanks.

A GAF is going to be somewhat irrelevant without knowing what was diagnosed on each axis, and whether the GAF was assigned based on any Axis I diagnosis alone, or the whole medical picture, including non-psychiatric disabilities. What are you trying to determine? If your VA rating was correct?

Ideally a GAF should be exactly what it name says: global, not based on any one aspect of functioning. But yeah, you should consider what the other axes say as well. They are meant to be taken together.

You're of course correct, except the OP mentioned it was a VA exam. If it was for rating purposes (assigning a disability score), the examiner is usually instructed to assign a GAF based solely on the Axis I diagnosis, disregarding other medical issues. That way, the rater can better use the GAF to assign a percentage to the vet's disability.
 

SilthDraeth

Platinum Member
Oct 28, 2003
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Pontiflex, I just got the decisions for my disability compensation, and while reviewing the decisions just about everyone they made is opposite to what the doctors where telling me in person at the VA clinic. So I am just trying to understand a few things before I file my appeal.
 

moonbit

Senior member
Dec 15, 2006
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Originally posted by: Mursilis
Originally posted by: moonbit
Originally posted by: Mursilis
Originally posted by: SilthDraeth
I have a GAF score (Global Axis of Functioning) given by the VA and I would like to PM someone that knows what it is all about, so I can get an understanding of what that score means in the real world. Thanks.

A GAF is going to be somewhat irrelevant without knowing what was diagnosed on each axis, and whether the GAF was assigned based on any Axis I diagnosis alone, or the whole medical picture, including non-psychiatric disabilities. What are you trying to determine? If your VA rating was correct?

Ideally a GAF should be exactly what it name says: global, not based on any one aspect of functioning. But yeah, you should consider what the other axes say as well. They are meant to be taken together.

You're of course correct, except the OP mentioned it was a VA exam. If it was for rating purposes (assigning a disability score), the examiner is usually instructed to assign a GAF based solely on the Axis I diagnosis, disregarding other medical issues. That way, the rater can better use the GAF to assign a percentage to the vet's disability.

That sounds so absurd. But then again, it is the government...:roll:
*sigh* I am relatively new to this, so the idealism is strong. ;)
 

Whisper

Diamond Member
Feb 25, 2000
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The score itself is relatively subjective, and is generally more useful when examined longitudinally rather than for obtaining a "snapshot" of functioning.

Edit: I should mention that the above is coming from a doctoral student and not a licensed psychologist.
 

AAman

Golden Member
May 29, 2001
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The GAF was previously used as a key tool..but as a previous poster pointed out, it no longer is (or is not supposed to be, at least that is how I was instructed). Instead, it is just a general guide.

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/ - the entire code of regulations for the VA are in there (unfortunately it's hard to navigate and search), including how all mental conditions are rated (note- they are almost all rated in the exact same manner and you can only be service connected for one, the others will get added to the primary if they are secondary or independently service connected).

The actual exam is extremely lengthy and comprehensive, and has a lot more criteria than just the GAF score.

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/ad...iv/ch04/ch04%5Ftoc.doc - this is the table of contents, mental disorders are in section H.

Again, the poster that pointed out the DSM IV criteria hit it spot on. Before filing an appeal, I'd read that, and talk to a veteran services organization if you have one (or if you don't have one).

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/re...okc/part4/s4%5F130.doc

Ok, here's the criteria, PTSD is a little different and has an entire section of it's own, but the final criteria are the same. The psychologist's evaluation will address these criteria, as well as some other tools like the GAF in the evaluation. Generally, (in my experience), two psychologists will review the case and present their opinions (unlike the old days when usually it was just one).

oh, I'm not a psychologist

EDIT- after where it says 'chronic adjustment disorder, that list of criteria is the main one, looks like an error in the format of the word doc.