Symptom exaggeration in a PTSD inpatient population: Response set or claim for compensation

This study examines the relationship between service-connection (financial compensation) and exaggeration of PTSD symptoms. Sixty inpatient Vietnam combat veterans in PTSD treatment comprised three groups: those financially compensated for PTSD, those financially compensated for physical or other mental problems, and those not financially compensated. Results indicate that those veterans who are not service-connected do not exaggerate symptoms on the MMPI F-scale more than those who are service-connected. Also, F scores reported for inpatient PTSD were higher than previously established cut-off criteria found chiefly in outpatient populations. Implications for therapists' biases concerning financial compensation and symptom claims are discussed in terms of their clinical relevance.