GAF Scores No Longer Usedīefore August 2014, the VA used the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Score to rate PTSD and other veterans’ mental health disabilities. Further updates to PTSD diagnostic criteria followed in various editions to reflect continuing research-the most current being DSM-5 released in 2013. The VA officially adopted the DSM-5 in August 2014. DSM-III introduced the diagnosis of PTSD in 1980 with clear diagnostic criteria. NOTE: The DSM manual has progressively updated PTSD diagnosis criteria. Previously PTSD was categorized under “Anxiety disorders.” Second: As of 2013, PTSD has been assigned to a new chapter and category within DSM-5 called Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. VA’s official rating schedule in the Code of Federal Regulations: You will find this online in 38 CFR § 4.130 – Schedule of ratings – Mental disorders.You must have a subscription to be able to view the manual online.
This is the authority for psychiatric diagnosis and research published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Research Review: Changes in the prevalence and symptom severity of child post-traumatic stress disorder in the year following trauma - a meta-analytic study. Hiller RM, Meiser-Stedman R, Fearon P, et al. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).