EVALUATING MENTAL DISORDERS IN THE VA COMPENSATION PROGRAM NAMI SYMPOSIUM WASHINGTON, D.C. JUNE 30, 2006

SERVICE CONNECTION Requires:  An in-service event  A current condition  A medical Nexus between the two

MENTAL DISORDERS

THE NUMBERS As of April 1, 2006: 1. More than 537,000 service connected conditions 2. One of top six rated disabilities 3. One of top six appealed disabilities

COMMON DISABILITIES ConditionNumber of Diagnoses Post Traumatic Stress Disorder256,271 Generalized Anxiety 61,357 Major Depression 41,419 Paranoid Schizophrenia 31,027

EVALUATION RANGE  Mental disorders may be assigned Disability evaluations of 0 percent, 10 percent, 30 percent, 50 percent, 70 percent and 100 percent  Individual Unemployability is possible

PROTECTIONS  Service connection for any disability is protected, absent fraud, after 10 years  The assigned evaluation for any disability is protected once that evaluation has been assigned for 20 years or more.  An evaluation held for five years requires evidence of sustained improvement to reduce  Staged Reductions

FUTURE EXAMINATIONS Future examinations are scheduled when the evidence of record suggests the potential for improvement

EMPLOYMENT While compensation is not a means tested program, unlike physical disabilities, the evaluation of mental disorders takes into consideration social and occupational impairment

EMPLOYMENT AND JOB TRAINING  Compensated work therapy through VA is not considered employment or the ability to be employed when evaluating disabilities  Participation in VA’s vocational rehabilitation and employment programs may not be used as a reason to reduce an evaluation  An evaluation my not be reduced during a 12-month trial work period  Successful employment (more than 12 continues months) may warrant reduction in evaluation

REDUCTIONS  Always prospective  Staged  Does not preclude restoration of a higher evaluation if the veteran is not able to sustain employment

QUESTIONS