The Current GAF and the highest GAF in the past year.

[rainvet]

There are certain things that must be stated in a psych report that covers the 0% , 10%, 30%. 50%, 70%, and 100% ratings. The C and P elicits responses that are progressive and fit into one of the rating categories. If it does not then it is not mentioned. Can't add anything that is not there. For example: Have you ever been homicidal or do you have continuos homicdal tendencies? That is part of the 100% criteria, but is not an absolute requirement. Many veterans receive 100% PTSD ratings without these tendencies.

Once the report is completed it is sent for review by a Senior Psychologist or Psychiatrist before it is sent to the RO. Once in the RO, it is up to the raters who have the rules and regulations and relevant laws that are part of the determination of which level of rating you will receive.

The criteria for any mental disorder with the VA is the same whether you have PTSD or depression, or OCD. So homicidal issues at the 100% would not be found in the 0% category.

Sounds to me that your at least trying to pinpoint a good treatment and good medication to aid you in stabilization. I do know the Anafranil (TCA) has long been used for OCD, but because of new medications is has fallen off the chart. But in my estimation and what I have seen for many years, Anafranil is something that still works rather effectively. It would be something to discuss with your PCP and see if that may be a course of action. Usually the SSRI's are the first line defense for OCD.

As for you GAF scores they flucuate throughout the day. In the morning you may havea 55 and deteriorate to 35 by mid afternoon. A practitioner should measure a GAF over a period of time and chart it. Each mental disorder has its own GAF. But when a psych report is written the rule of thumb is to present the current GAF and the highest GAF in the past year.

Elicting responses to fit a category is a means of asking questions to determine the depth of the mental disorder you have. At 0% you may have few and intermittent episodes of a disorder and does not affect your ability to function. Whereas, at 100%, your totally sociall and occupationally impaired with suicidal ideation and continous anxiety reactions. Look on the board and find the mental health scales and read them. So doing a progressive interview will aid the examiner in determining the severity of your disorder.

A "good" C + P should last at least 45 minutes, but that is not always the case. It depends on whether the doctor read your file before you came in, or is reading it as you go.