Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF
MCHE-JA
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL CENTER
3851 ROGER BROOKE DRIVE
FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS 78234-6200
29 July2008
MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, Great Plains Regional Medical Command, Fort Sam
Houston, TX 78234
SUBJECT: Legal Review- AR 15-6 Investigation of EACH Department of Behavioral Health
and Medical Evaluation Board
2. I have determined the following:
l(b)(5)
b. The Investigation is procedurally
sworn as directed by the Appointing Authority. (b)(S)
lb)(5)
I
I
Page 1
FOIA Release Page 243
MCHE-DBM 28 July 2008
MEMORANDUM FOR BG JAMES K. GILMAN, COMMANDING, GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL
MEDICAL COMMAND, FORT SAM HOUSTON, TX 78234
SUBJECT: Executive Summary, 15-61nvestigation, Evans Army Community Hospital
1. This memo summarizes the findings of the investigation directed by BG Gilman under
authority of AR 15-6 to investigate an allegation that there has been institutional pressure to
compel Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) behavioral health providers to improperly
change diagnoses, and that considerations other than established clinical criteria and judgment
have been used to affix diagnoses. The investigation was directed to examine whether there
has been organizational pressure from command or leadership at the MEDCOM or hospital
level to include the EACH command and staff, Behavioral Health department, or MEB staff.
2. Findings.
a. Finding 1: This investigation does not find deliberate institutional or organizational
pressure on EACH behavioral health providers to improperly make or change clinical diagnoses
or to render incorrect or inaccurate diagnoses pursuant to clinical or medical board evaluations.
b. Finding 2: This investigation does not find that any level of MEDCOM command, EACH
command and staff, or the EACH MEB staff and leadership have attempted to coerce or
otherwise influence the outcome of clinical evaluations conducted by EACH behavioral health
providers pursuant to clinical or medical board evaluations.
c. Finding 3: This investigation finds evidence of potential systemic pressures inherent in
Army physical disability evaluation processes that may influence MEDCOM behavioral health
providers in the course of conducting PTSD disability evaluations. These potential pressures
may lead providers to avoid making a diagnosis of PTSD on medical boards contrary to their
clinical judgment.
3. Recommendation: The existence, extent, and strength of the potential systemic pressures
indentified in Finding 3 could not be well ascertained within the scope of this investigation.
Review at additional Army military treatment facilities is recommended to determine if systemic
processes related to PTSD disability evaluations exert undue pressure on MEDCOM behavioral
health providers to avoid entering a diagnosis of PTSD on an MEB contrary to their clinical
judgment.
c(_ >=- L
~ R U C E E. CROW
COL, MS
Investigating Officer
Page 3
FOIA Release Page 244
["},
SECTION VI- AUTHENTICATION (para 3-17, AR 15-6)
ge 7
THIS REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE. (If any voting member or the recorder fails to sign here or in Section VII below.
indicate the reason in the space where his signature should appear.)
1 I
CROW
(Recorder) (Investigating Officer) (President)
(Member) (Member}
(Member) (Member)
SECTION VII MINORITY REPORT (para 3-/3, AR 15-6)
To the extent indicated in Inclosure , the undersigned do( es) not concur in the findings and recommendations of the board.
(In the inclosure, identifY by number finding and/or recommendation in which the dissenting member(s) do(es) not concur. State the
reasons for disagreement. Additional/substitute findings and/or recommendations may be included in the inclosure.)
(Member) (Member)
SECTION VUI- ACTION BY APPOINTING AUTHORITY (para 1-3 11.Rl5-6)
The findin_ill! and recommendations of are (..... "''
0
' .
. -HI'
Encl
w.. .
- '
.
'd-,. ' ' ' ... ' ' "'- '
TH 'ii/M R. MONT
. secretary of the Army
npower and Reserve Affairs)
FOIA Release Page 253
INFORMATION PAPER
SAMR-MP
25 October 2010
SUBJECT: Screening of Personality and Adjustment Disorder Discharges
1. References:
a. Letter from Senator Bond et al. to Secretary Gates, 15 October 2010.
b. Department of Defense Instruction 1332.14, Enlisted Administrative Separations,
28 August 2008.
c. Memorandum, USD-PR, subject: Continued Compliance Reporting on
Personality Disorder (PD) Separations, 10 September 2010.
d. Army Regulation 635-200, Active Duty Enlisted Separations, Rapid Action
Revision Issue Date: 27 April 2010.
e. OTSG/MEDCOM Policy Memo 09-056, Guidance for Administrative Separation
for Personality Disorder (PD) or other Behavioral Conditions, 22 July 2009.
f. OTSG/MEDCOM Policy Memo 1 0-040, Screening Requirements for Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) for
Administrative Separations of Soldiers, 9 July 2010.
2. On 15 October 2010, Senators Bond, Grassley, Brown back and Leahy wrote to
Secretary Gates expressing their concerns about screening of Personality and
Adjustment Disorder discharges. They requested data on the number of Soldiers
discharged under Chapters 5-13 and 5-17 and the number of those that have deployed.
OSD further requested information regarding actions taken, or underway; to ensure that
Service members who deployed to an Imminent Danger Pay area, who were diagnosed
with either Adjustment Disorder, Personality Disorder, or Other Designated Physical or
Mental Condition and were discharged in Fiscal Years 2008-2010 did not have Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Actions taken or
underway include:
a. In 2006 and 2007, public concern was raised that the Army was discharging
some Soldiers returning from combat for personality disorder who were also suffering
from PTSD and/or TBI related to their combat experiences. To address these concerns,
the United States Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) issued policy in August 2007 to
their Regional Medical Commands directing Office of the Surgeon General (OTSG)
higher level review of administrative separations based upon a diagnosis of personality
disorder including whether or not PTSD, TBI and/or other co-morbid mental illness may
have been a significant contributing factor to the diagnosis. In May 2008, MEDCOM
1
FOIA Release Page 254
SAMR-MP
SUBJECT: Screening of Personality and Adjustment Disorder Discharges
issued additional policy requiring PTSD and TBI screening prior to Soldiers being
considered for administrative separation.
b. In August 2008, the Department of Defense (DoD) mandated similar
requirements (DoDI1332.14) regarding separations on the basis of a personality
disorder to include:
(1) A Psychiatrist or PhD-level Psychologist must diagnose the personality
disorder.
(2) A peer or higher-level mental health professional must corroborate the
diagnosis.
(3) Diagnosis must be endorsed by the Surgeon General of the Military
Department concerned.
(4) The diagnosis must consider whether PTSD, TBI and/or other co-morbid
mental illness may have been a significant contributing factor to the diagnosis.
c. In February 2009, Army policy was updated implementing the above DoD
requirements.
d. On 25 July 2010, pursuant to the provisions mandated by section 512 of Public
Law 111-84, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 and 10 U.S.C.
1177 and 1553, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness issued
policy via Directive Type Memorandum 10-022, requiring a medical exam evaluation for
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) prior to
administratively separating Service members, under conditions other than honorable,
who had deployed overseas in support of a contingency operation during the previous
24 months. On 30 Aug 10, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower &
Reserve Affairs responc;led to OUSD (P&R) that OTSG Policy Memorandum 10-040,
dated 9 June 2010, included procedures ensuring compliance with requirements
promulgated in OUSD DTM 10-022.
e. OTSG Policy Memorandum 10-040, outlines procedures for PTSD and TBI
screening for all Soldiers considered for administrative separation who require a mental
status evaluation, or who have been deployed overseas in support of a contingency
operation, and who are diagnosed by a physician, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist
as experiencing PTSD or TBI or who otherwise reasonably allege, based on their
service while deployed, the influence of such a condition. OTSG Policy Memorandum
09-056 provides guidance for administrative separation for Personality Disorder and
other behavioral conditions. A revision of the that policy, currently in staffing, will
2
FOIA Release Page 255
SAMR-MP
SUBJECT: Screening of Personality and Adjustment Disorder Discharges
require review and endorsement of all Soldiers who have deployed that are being
processed under Chapter 5-17.
f. In accordance with OSD guidance, the Army is conducting a review of at least 10
percent of all Personality Disorder separations for fiscal year 2010. Additionally, we are
currently identifying Soldiers separated for Personality Disorder in order to inform them
of the process to correct their discharge characterization and how to obtain mental
health assessment through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
4. Social Security Numbers of Soldiers with Chapter 5-13 and Chapter 5-17 discharges
for fiscal years 2008,2009, and 2010 were obtained from the Total Army Personnel
Database. These records were then forwarded to the Patient Administration Systems
and Biostatistics Activity to identify those Soldiers with a diagnosis of Personality
Disorder or Adjustment Disorder. They were also forwarded to the Personnel
Contingency Cell to determine if the Soldier had deployed. Comparison of these
databases yielded the following information:
a. Number of Adjustment Disorder (AD) discharges (Chapter 5-17).
(1) FYOB 2,032
{2) FY09 2,427
(3) FY1 0 2,033
b. Number of AD discharges who had deployed to an Imminent Danger Pay (IDP)
area.
(1) FYOB 346
(2) FY09 475
(3) FY10 767
c. Number of Personality Disorder {PO) discharges (Chapter 5-13 < 24 months
of service; Chapter 5-17 with 24 or more months of service).
(1) FYOB 641
(2) FY09 575
(3) FY10 365
3
FOIA Release Page 256
SAMR-MP
SUBJECT: Screening of Personality and Adjustment Disorder Discharges
d. Number of PD discharges who had deployed to an IDP area.
(1) FY08 211
(2) FY09 157
(3) FY1 0 149
e. Number of Condition, Not Disability discharges (Chapter 5-17 minus PDs
w/24 or more months of service).
(1) FY08 3,654
(2) FY09 3,501
(3) FY10 3,154
f. Number of Condition, Not a Disability discharges who had deployed to an
IDP area.
(1) FY08 724
(2) FY09 561
(2) FY1 0 1,003
4
FOIA Release Page 257
PRESENTATION DOCUMENTATION FORM
As a requirement of the accrediting bodies of the Office ofthe Surgeon General, the following information regarding your
presentation is a prerequisite for approval of continuing education credits. NOTE: One form per lecture if different topics.
Title and Date of Presentation:
PTSD Disability Determination: Expectations and Reality
N!>mP nUnstJ:n.ctnr!
(b)(6)
I
Time Allocated for presentation:
!l!!!!!!:
Teaching Methods to be Used (Check all that apply) :
~
Discussion Slides Overhead Panel Presentation
Small Group Interaction Other, please specify
Brief Narrative Description: Provide 3 5 sentences regarding your presentation. This narrative should answer the questions
"What will health providers, either nurses or physicians, learn from this presentation that will enhance their professional
knowledge, skills and/or abilities?" and "How will this be accomplished?"
Initiating a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) for a soldier with combat-related PTSD is a complicated and time-intensive
procedure that relies on appropriate documentation in both mental health and non-mental health levels of the system. Until
recently, the Physical Disability Agency (PDA) has issued few guidelines as to what they need in an MEB, and have never
issued guidelines pertaining to what they do NOT need. An unstated component in the system is that disability compensation
often depends on how much work the psychiatrist puts into the MEB. This presentation will provide an overview of how the
Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) determines disability compensation and what is considered "ideal" for an MEB.
113 adjudicated PTSD case files were reviewed to contrast the "ideal" with the "reality" of what a typical Army psychiatrist
documents in MEBs.
Objectives: Must provide 3 objectives. Utilize verbs that are clearly behavioral and measurable, such as describe, discuss,
explain, recite, etc. Do not use terms such as understand better, have a clear appreciation for, etc.
Describe the system for documenting and adjudicating cases of PTSD disability
Summarize symptoms or dysfunctions that affect disability determination based on a chart review of 113 cases
Establish realistic guidelines for psychiatrists in documenting PTSD cases for disability adjudication
Content Outline: Provide a basic outline with major headings. This outline should correspond to your objective(s). If you
wish to provide a more detailed outline for note taking, you should use an additional piece of paper. A comprehe11sive outli11e
is required prior to the presentation in a camera-ready format, aUowinlf room for notetakinlf
I. The Current Burden of combat-related PTSD in the Army
A. Epidemiology
B. Costs
II. Overview of the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES)
A. Guiding regulations
B. V ASRD rating system
1. Monetary values and corresponding disease severity
c. The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)
D. The Physical Evaluation Board (PEB)
E. U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA)
II. Ideals for a psychiatrist documenting PTSD disability
A. Documentation of symptoms
B. Commanders' statements
c. Occupational dysfunction in the military and civilian environments
III. Case review of 113 PEB packets and adjudicated cases
A. Statistics on how much compensation is given out at the varying disability levels
B. Statistics on what symptoms were documented by psychiatrists for the MEB
c. Statistics on what types of occupational dysfunctions were documented by psychiatrists for the MEB
D. Statistics on how much collateral information was included in MEBs
E. Associations between content of the MEBs and the fmal disability determination
F. Conclusions concerning which factors do and do NOT play a role in determining disability
G. Conclusions concerning the objectivity and subjectivity of the system
H. Recommendations to mental health providers for achieving the best outcome for their disabled patients
FOIA Release Page 258
en
c:
0
- ~
+-' +-'
co:.:
c: ro
- (J.)
E ~
2-c
(J.) c:
C1 ro
en
~ c
== 0
-
_c+=i
co ro
en..,
- (.)
0 Q)
c..
0 ><
cnW
I-
C..
e>
::J
.c
..., ~
(/') :::::s
E ~
ro
- ~
..c: c::
() 0
>- -
(/')
(/') -
0.. - ~
c:O
.Q ~
(/')...,
s; c::
- ro
o ~
c::
-
...,
~
-
u..
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
5
9
Objectives
Describe the system for documenting and
adjudicating cases of PTSD disability
Summarize symptoms or dysfunctions that
affect disability determination based on a
chart review of 113 cases
Establish realistic guidelines for .
psychiatrists in documenting PTSD cases
for disability adjudication
FOIA Release Page 260
- E
co Q)
(.).....,
- C/)
C/) >.
>.(f)
..c
(L c
0
CD :+:i ~
..ccocn
.....,:JW
ocoo
:>>0..
> w '---'
CD
- >.
2 : ~
CD:.C
> co
0 C/)
-
0
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
6
1
Step #1 -- MEB
Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) is
performed by a psychiatrist "When a
soldier reaches maximum benefit of
medical care for a condition which may
render the soldier unfit for further military
service soldiers shall be referred for
evaluation within 1 year of the diagnosis of
their medical condition."
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
6
2
Step #1 -- MEB
The soldier may or may not be rated as
meeting medical retention standards.
The MEB is documented on paper (the
Narrative Summary, or NARSUM).
The NARSUM and other documents are
submitted to the PEBLO.
The PEBLO forwards the packet to the
PEB.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
6
3
Step #2 -- PEB
Physical Evaluation Board (PES) evaluates the -
MEB and decides whether the soldier is unfit for
duty or not.
Once determined unfit, the PES is required by
law to rate the disability using the Veterans
Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).
Ratings can range from 0 to 1 00 percent rising
in increments of 10.
3 PEBs exist
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
6
4
Step #3 -- USAPDA
U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency
(USAPDA, or simply PDA)
Manages and provides appellate review
for the Army's disability system.
Headquartered at Walter Reed.
Oversees the three PEBs.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
6
5
Step #4 -- APDAB
If the PDA changes the findings of the
PEB and the soldier non-concurs and
submits a rebuttal, the case is forwarded
to the U.S. Army Physical Disability
Appeal Board (APDAB)
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
6
6
Fitness for Duty
The standard for determining fitness is whether the
medical condition precludes the soldier from
reasonably performing the duties of his or her
office, grade, rank, or rating.
There is no requirement that a soldier must be
able to perform in every condition or under every
circumstance.
Deployability may be used as factor
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
6
7
Disposition
Those found unfit for duty have four
possible dispositions:
1 . separation without benefits
2. separation with severance pay
3. temporary duty retirement list (TDRL)
4. permanent duty retirement list (PDRL)
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
6
8
Factors Affecting Disposition
whether the soldier can perform in his or her
MOS;
the rating percentage;
the stability of the disabling condition;
and years of active service in the case of pre-
existing conditions.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
6
9
Separation without Benefits
The unfitting disability
-existed prior to service (EPTS)
-was not permanently aggravated by military
serv1ce
- and the member has less than 8 years of
active service
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
7
0
Separation with Severance Pay
The soldier
- Has less than 20 years of active federal
serv1ce
- and has a disability rating of less than 30
percent
-With a 10% rating, the soldier receives 1 0% of
twelve month's basic pay multiplied by the
time in service
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
7
1
Permanent Retirement (PDRL)
-The disability is determined permanent and
stable
-and rated at a minimum of 30 percent
-or the soldier has 20 years of active federal
serv1ce
- The soldier with a 30% rating will receive 30%
of their base pay
- OR receive their normal retirement pay
(whichever is higher)
-There is no "double-dipping" of pay
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
7
2
Temporary Retirement (TDRL)
Same as PDRL except that the disability is
not stable for rating purposes,
Soldier will be re-assessed yearly to
monitor for changes in disability (and
therefore the disability rating)
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
7
3
Relevance to PTSD Cases
Most soldiers get a 10% rating, a few get a
30% rating, and <1% get a 50% rating
Most junior soldiers will get separation with
severance pay
Senior soldiers will be placed on TDRL
Those separated with severance pay may
still apply to the VA for monthly disability
payments
FOIA Release Page 274
-
CJ)
"Ecc
row
- g ~
~ 0
en en
-ct--
<J.)(L
u
().)
c.
X
w
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
7
5
PTSD
One of the few psychiatric conditions for which a
specific etiology (cause) is believed to be known
The "cause," however, is necessary but not
sufficient for the diagnosis.
Other factors are essential in addition to the
requisite stressor
Adjudicators must be cautious in assuming that
PTSD exists on the basis of only one factor.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
7
6
Guidelines from the PDA
The PDA has released two documents on
this subject:
-"Issues in Adjudication of Cases Involving
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder" - Fall 2004
-"Guidance for Preparing Psychiatric Reports
on Soldiers Going Through the Physical
Evaluation Board Process" - Fall 2005
-Both are written by David T. Armitage,
COL(RET)
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
7
7
The Forensic Standard
The MEB is akin to a Sanity Board, in that
the adjudicators are looking for collateral
information to support the patient's
statements and dispel any question of
malingering or exaggeration for secondary
gain (money, separation from the military,
or avoidance of domestic duties).
The adjudicators at the PDA are often
M.D. and J.D.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
7
8
The Traumatic Event
Exact use of DSM-IV criteria, particularly
in regards to presence of the traumatic
event and reaction to the event
- Use of collateral information to prove the
event or the reaction may be used
- Using vague descriptions such as "he reacted
to combat situations with fear'' are inadequate
-The reaction may be simply dissociation
-A reaction approximating "disgust" or
"nauseating" is not sufficient
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
7
9
The Traumatic Event
- Use "common sense" in deciding if an
event is "severe" enough to cause PTSD
Common sense may include the
"reasonable person" test: would other
reasonable soldiers in the same
circumstances have had the same
reaction?
Ex: a soldier hearing artillery fire miles
away is overwhelmed by fear
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
0
Symptoms
The PDA does not explicitly state that DSM-IV
criteria for the symptom clusters of re-
experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal must
be met. It is implied, however.
"Double-counting" of symptoms is prohibited,
due to the potential for "pyramiding" of benefits.
"Laundry-lists" of DSM-IV symptoms are viewed
as carrying little weight
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
1
Collateral Documents
Include any documents you use with the
NARSUM
Emails with soldier's unit members
Personnel records (award citations)
Assignment orders
Medical records
Police reports/sworn witness statements
Statements by the family
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
2
Impairment
Spheres of impairment may include the
military work environment, the social
sphere, and tasks that may be used in the
civilian occupational world
Military and social impairment do n-ot
impact the disability rating unless they can
be tied into the civilian impairment
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
3
Military Dysfunction
The usu;al reason for initiating the MEB is
that the soldier is unfit for duty
State how he is unfit
The disability rating is not based on the
military impairment - symptoms may
better outside of military environment
However, the military impairment may be
used to extrapolate civilian impairment
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
4
Social Impairment
Social impairment may be used as a
symptom to prove the presence of PTSD
Tying it into civilian impairment is useful
for the adjudicators
Ex. - the soldier cannot work with anyone
due to severe anger or isolating behavior
. Ex. - use of alcohol/drugs to self-medic.ate
causes stigmatization or legal problems
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
5
Civilian Impairment
a ~ k . a . "civilian and industrial adaptability"
Determine if the symptoms will impact an
aspect of work outside of the military
The PDA believes that nightmares and
insomnia rarely impact work performance
to a significant degree
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
6
Considerations for Civilian
Impairment
1. Remember locations, work-like
procedures, and instructions
2. Maintain concentration to complete tasks
in a timely manner
3. Communicate with others about work
4. Being civil toward boss or coworkers
5. Sustain an ordinary routine without
superv1s1on
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
7
Considerations for Civilian
Impairment
6. Work with/near others without being
distracted by them
7. Make simple work-related decisions
8. Work without excessive rest periods
9. Seek help when appropriate
1 0. Adapt to changes at work
11. Awareness of hazards, use of
precautions
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
8
Considerations for Civilian
Impairment
Other factors may include:
- Job stability, type of job, schooling
-Time commitment for outpatient
treatment or repeated inpatient stays
( esp. due to suicidality or substance
abuse)
-Non-compliance issues
-Competency to manage finances
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
8
9
Considerations for Civilian
Impairment
Commander's Performance Statement--
contains many specifics about work
dysfunction ..
The PDA loves this statement
Statements that the soldier cannot work
due to a profile are useless
- Commander should focus on what s/he has
the soldier doing instead of their normal
miSSIOn
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
0
Personality Disorders
The PDA states that personality traits and
maladaptive styles should be discussed,
and their impact on dysfunction noted
There are pros and cons to this approach
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
1
Depression and Anxiety
The PDA is looking to see if any other
diagnoses better account for the soldier's
military dysfunction, particularly
adjustment disorders.
For instance, the presence of "tolerable"
combat stress reactions followed by onset
of a new stressor such as impending
divorce or a new, hostile platoon sergeant.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
2
Substance Abuse
Primary substance abuse by itself is not a
compensable condition
Substance abuse caused by or
aggravated by PTSD should not result in
less compensation
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
3
Occupational Therapy
An OT consult may be useful in finding
ways to describe civilian impairment or
ability to manage one's finances
Allen Cognitive Level (ACL) is a well-
researched modality, given in 15 minutes,
and is a given to all inpatients on some
inpatient wards.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
4
Malingering
Malingering may be suggested by:
- Recitation of DSM-IV criteria
- Vague descriptions of symptoms such as nightmares;
combat-induced nightmares usually involve combat,
as opposed to non-combat PTSD nightmares
- Inability to state how PTSD affects their daily
functioning
- Hyperarousal not in evidence
- Reporting static symptoms - PTSD usually fluctuates
A comment concerning the absence of these
items may be helpful to dispel doubt
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
5
One Word= One Rating
Possibilities in the civilian and industrial
adaptability section:
. - "Mild" = 1 Oo/o
-"Definite" = 30%
- "Considerable" = 50%
- "Severe" = 70%
-"Total"- 100%
Your opinion may or may not be weighed
heavily
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
6
VASRD Classification
Full remission at 0 percent.
(a) Symptom free.
(b) No medication.
(c) No medical supervision.
(d) Work record acceptable or better.
(e) Satisfactory social adjustment.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
7
VASRD Classification
Mild at 10 percent.
(a) Displays minimal signs or symptoms with
probing.
(b) May require medication or psychotherapy,
especially during
times of stress.
(c) Adequate job adjustment.
(d) Adequate social adjustment.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
8
VASRD Classification
Definite at 30 percent.
(a) Does not require hospitalization.
(b) Displays some signs or symptoms of mental
illness on examination.
(c) Usually requires medication and or
psychotherapy.
(d) Usually there is job instability.
(e) Borderline social adjustment.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
2
9
9
VASRD Classification
Considerable at 50 percent.
(a) Intermittent hospitalization.
(b) Overtly displays some signs or symptoms of
mental illness.
(c) Requires constant medications or
psychotherapy.
(d) Extreme job instability.
(e) Significant social maladjustment.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
0
0
VASRD Classification
Severe at 70 percent.
(a) Usually financially mentally competent and capable of
cooperating in PEB proceedings but occasionally may be
incompetent.
(b) Usually hospitalized, but often in care of next-of-kin or guardian.
(c) Actively psychotic, but may have intermittent contact with
reality.
(d) Requires supervision approximately 50 percent or more of the
time.
(e) Some potential to be harmful to self or others.
(f) Unemployable.
(g) M_inimal social adjustment.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
0
1
VASRD Classification
Total at 100 percent.
(a) Usually mentally incompetent to handle financial
affairs and to participate in PEB proceedings.
(b) Usually hospitalized, rarely in care of next-of-kin or
guardian.
(c) Actively psychotic, totally out of contact with reality.
(d) Requires constant supervision and- care.
(e) Significant potential to be harmful to self or others.
(f) Unemployable.
(g) Incapable of any social adjustment.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
0
2
PTSD that Existed Prior to Service
(EPTS)
Permanent versus temporary service
aggravation.
Natural progression of the EPTS
condition.
"EPTS, not permanently service-
aggravated" means no benefits will be
awarded (this. is less than a Oo/o r ~ t i n g )
FOIA Release Page 303
>.
E
>.L..
111111111111
- .
:Coo
ro ..
en:::)
i5 Q)
..c
(f) .. 5
J- c:
a.. 0
'+- -
oro
Q) c
2: Q)
::J E
oo a
0
0
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
0
4
PTSD
1 March 2003 to 8 Aug 2005
- 850 cases with PTSD as a diagnosis
-0% 39 cases
- 1 0% 549 cases
- 30% 202 cases
-50% 6 cases
- EPTS 54 cases
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
0
5
Methods
Reviewed the PDA files of 113 PTSD
cases between Nov 2004 and March 2005
Data considered by the PDA in their
determination was tabulated, including
NARSUM and collateral information from
other providers, commanders, coworkers,
and family members
Internal PDA emails/memos were read
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
0
6
Findings
Search for any associations between
types of data and the amount of disability
awarded
Paint of picture of what types of data are
commonly being included by Army
psychiatrists in their MEBs for PTSD
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
0
7
Collection of Data
A table of data was collected from each
file, including:
Disability Percentage
Demographics
Axis I, II, and Ill
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
0
8
Collection of Data from MEB
Nature of Trauma
DSM-IV PTSD criteria A, B, and C
Social, Civilian, and Military-specific
dysfunction, and degree of detail
Treatment response
Other MEB for physical injury
Psychiatric and trauma history
Appearance on mental status exam
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
0
9
Collection of Other Data
Use of collateral information from progress
notes, inpatient records
Use of psychological testing
Collateral information from family,
coworkers, and command
Verification of the trauma details via letters
from commanders
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
1
0
Description of the Population
Disability awarded (from Dec 2004 to
March 2005):
0% -- two files
1 0% -- 92 files
30% -- 18 files
50% -- 1 file
32 files could not be located
Average of 41 new c a s ~ s per month
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
1
1
Axes 1-111
67% of the files had PTSD as the only
Axis I diagnosis
25% had one additional Axis I diagnosis
8% had three or more Axis I diagnoses
2o/o had an Axis II diagnosis
32% received a MEB for a separate Axis
Ill dx
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
1
2
Input from Other Providers
Large majority of the files lacked medical
documentation other than the MEB itself
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
1
3
Nature of the Trauma
83% of the MEBs described the trauma(s).
The rest did not mention anything other
than "soldier was in Iraq"
39% of the soldiers suffered physical
injuries from a trauma
63% were directly at risk of being harmed
during an incident.
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
1
4
Nature of the Trauma
71% described mental trauma from
viewing disturbing sights. More than half
listed multiple sights.
33/o of the MEBs described the soldier's
response to the trauma. Most of those
who received physical injuries were
knocked unconsciousness simultaneously
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
1
5
Duration of Symptoms
Most did not list the duration of symptoms
Duration was extrapolated from dates of
return from deployment and date of MEB
dictation
The median duration was 6 months
The longest duration reported was 24
months
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
1
6
Specific symptoms
14% (36 out of 113), documented the
DSM-IV-required number of symptoms for
re-experiencing, avoidance, and
hyperarousal
Factoring in Criterion A, only 18 MEBs
( 16o/o) met PTSD by DSM-IV
FOIA Release Page 317
(/)
.......,
ro
.......,
en
'""0
E
(J.)
t::
0
0
~
c.. 0
+-'
(J.)
~
(j)
c..
L-
0
1'-
E
~ c o
1'-
~
- .
c
LC')
~
0
('()
I
LC')
en
E
en
I
('t)
Q)
E co
L- 1'-
co
I
0
-
c
E
(..)
E
L.
.......,
.......,
(I)
en 0
..c
C)
0 en
C)
c
-
~
c
z
<(
-
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
1
8
Symptom Stats
Least commonly reported:
Inability to recall - 3.5%
Foreshortened future- 13.3%
Restricted affect - 19%
Psychological distress to cues- 26.5%
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
1
9
Association with Criteria A,B,C,D?
There was no association between the
level of documentation of DSM-IV criteria
A, B, C, or D with the disability
determination
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
2
0
Dysfunction
28% of the MEBs did not mention any type
of impairment in social, civilian-
occupational, or military abilities in the HPI
section
12% contained some sort of "positive"
comment that an impairment should
improve with time
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
2
1
Dysfunction
62o/o (71 files) mentioned some sort of
social dysfunction
17o/o (21 files) mentioned some sort of
civilian occupational dysfunction
42% ( 4 7 files) mentioned some sort of
military dysfunction
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
2
2
Associations with Dysfunction?
Specific dysfunction categories showed no
association
Absolute number of negative dysfunctions
did show an association
The soldier with 50/o disability had 4 types
of negative dysfunction documented
The 2 soldiers with 0% disability had no
negative dysfunctions documented
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
2
3
________ ,_
Treatment Response
61% of the MEBs listed a poor tx
response. 27% made no comment
whatsoever.
3 files in the 30% disability category had
no treatment response documented
11 files in the 10% disability category
received 1 0% despite having a positive
treatment response
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
2
4
----------
MEB for other injury
32% (36 files) received a primary MEB for
a physical injury due to the trauma.
In these cases, the PTSD was considered
an Addendum to the primary MEB
24 received 1 0% disability; 2 received
30/o
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
2
5
Psych/trauma History
24% of the soldiers had some sort of
psychiatric history .
12% had a history of childhood trauma
No association with percent disability
FOIA Release Page 326
~
......,
-
-
E
-
w ..c
CJ) ro
co
:2
(J)
X
-
-c
w
(1.) ......,
..c:
t:
en
......,
(1)
t:
(..)
:::J
0
I-
.........,
(1)
co
~
c.
- .........,
I-
..c:
0
-
(/)
-
(1)
......,
0
-
-
Q.
~
~
co -c -c
t:
.........,
Q)
~
0
c:
I-
-
......,
(1.)
ro ro
cu
Q) Q)
-
(..)
~
Q.
c.
0
Q. Q.
(J)
cu cu
(J)
~ ~
cu
0
co
1.{)
co C\1
z
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
2
7
Psychological testing
12% of the soldiers received psych testing
No association with percent disability
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
2
8
Collateral information
5 files had letters from coworkers
59% had a letter from a commander about
the soldier's dysfunction. Most were
nonspecific, and were written after the
soldier had been placed on a profile for
.PTSD
No association with percent disability
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
2
9
Collateral information
26 (23%) of the files contained verification
that the trauma occurred.
5 of those 26 contained 2 letters of
verification
No association with percent disability
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
3
0
Conclusions
Disability determiners generally accept the
diagnosis of PTSD even if insufficient
criteria are documented
Predictions of the degree of dysfunction in
the civilian sector is the most important
criterion in determining disability, in
accordance with the regulations
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
3
1
Conclusions
Determination of 30% or greater disability
may depend on other factors not
examined here:
- Nature of treatment failure
-Types of treatment required for maintenance
- Specific nature of dysfunctions
- Documents other than narrative summary
- Discussions between USAPDA determiners
F
O
I
A
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
P
a
g
e
3
3
2
Conclusions
Psychiatrists performing MEBs should
concentrate on incorporating the context of
the illness (the exact impairments) for the
soldier if they wish to maximally benefit
their MEB patients
FOIA Release Page 333
(/)
c
0
-
+-'
(/)
Q)
:::J
0