When the Season isn’t Jolly
For many civilians, December is a time of joy. For veterans with PTSD, it can be a gauntlet of hypervigilance, crowded spaces, and fireworks/noises.
If you find yourself isolating, avoiding family gatherings, or experiencing increased irritability this month, it is not just a “bad mood.” It is important clinical evidence of your current functional limitations.
Understanding “Social Impairment”
Medical evaluations for mental health conditions often focus on “Occupational and Social Impairment.”
- 30% Criteria: Occasional decrease in work efficiency.
- 50% Criteria: Reduced reliability and productivity.
- 70% Criteria: Deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.
Documenting the Struggle
Don’t suffer in silence. If you avoid a family dinner because of anxiety, write it down. If you have a panic attack in a crowded mall, document it.
This documentation provides a clinical record of symptom severity and frequency, which is essential for a thorough and accurate independent medical evaluation.
Our medical team is here to provide objective evaluations and nexus letters based on clinical judgment to ensure your medical records accurately reflect your reality. We comply fully with SB 694. Our services are for medical evaluations only, and fees are not contingent on the outcome of any claim.