Many veterans prefer establishing a relationship with their local Vet Center. Due to the relaxed atmosphere, informal setting, and user-friendly staff, many veterans prefer doing business with their local Vet Center.  Unlike TRP and CMH, which are typically in hospital settings, Vet Center’s are stand alone counseling agencies.  Most are in beautifully decorated office suites.  Many veterans have remarked that visiting a Vet Center is like going to a civilian counseling center.  Vet Center’s do not feel as if they are associated with the VA culture, and many veterans prefer attending Vet Center programs for that reason alone.                      Vet Center staff will help veterans’ with the paper trail needed for establishing a claim for TBI.  When you visit your local Vet Center they will want you to attend group psychotherapy.  Don’t be intimidated.  The group sessions at Vet Center’s are typically social venues, where veterans eat, drink, discuss benefit strategy, and take in an occasional movie.  Vet Center culture and American Legion halls have a lot in common.  Additionally, one of the major benefits to attending a Vet Center is that you will learn from other veterans about the benefits you have earned.                                 After six to eight weeks in the Vet Center program, ask your therapist for a “TBI Summary Letter” or have the therapist send your documented paperwork to your veteran service officer (VSO).  If you can get the TBI Summary Letter that would be ideal.  The letter discusses your participation in treatment, the therapists clinical impression of you, and your prognosis.  The TBI Summary Letter carry’s a lot of weight with the rating board, so, make sure you get one.  Before you leave with your TBI Summary Letter, proof read it.  Make sure your therapist mentions TBI-related issues and that your treatment plan focuses on treating you for TBI.                                       GAF Score                             As you are compiling paperwork for the rating board, make sure and check certain documents for those things that will boost your potential for a solid TBI rating.  For instance, all mental health professionals use a tool called the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).  The GAF score is a score from 0 – 100, which determines your psychological functioning.  The lower your score, the more impaired you are.  Mental health professionals use GAF scores as a way of gaining a quick snap shop of your psychological functioning.                                  Please familiarize yourself with the GAF table.  It will help you understand how you should be rated for the best possible outcome.  Below is the GAF table used by mental health professionals. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |