APDA Guidance on Narrative Summary for PTSD

[Jason Perry]

Just posted this in the downloads section:

Physical Evaluation Board Forum - PEB Library - Army PDA Guidance on Format for NARSUM: PTSD/Menta

The first thing that caught my eye was that they reference using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV- TR (Test Revision), which is not the same criteria used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (which makes this illegal, in my view; but whether it is harmful to the member is not clear).

It is an Army publication, but should still be applicable as a good reference for other Services.

 

[Jason Perry]

I have reviewed the DSM-IV versus the DSM-IV TR criteria for PTSD. There does not appear to be any significant differences. The most substantive difference appears to be a lower finding of prevalence of the condition (the DSM-IV states "between 1% and 14%," while the DSM-IV TR states "8%").

Overall, the substantive criteria for PTSD does not seem to be of concern. The other issue I see is if the Army is now taking the position that the DSM-IV TR should be used for other conditions and that there may be substantive differences for those conditions that impact adjudications.

This bears keeping an eye on.

 

[Jack]

Jason,

WOW! Could u give us southern inbred grunts a more laymans explanation...LOL

THX

Jack

 

[Jason Perry]

Jack,

That made me laugh....

Okay, the gist is that while I think they are wrong to use the "unofficial" DSM-IV Text Revision, in this case, it doesn't matter because the rules are almost exactly the same.

 

[Jack]

THX SIR