Evaluation Context and Symptom Validity Test Performances in a U.S. Military Sample

Abstract

The study examined Symptom Validity Test (SVT) performance in a sample of military service members on active orders as a function of evaluation context. Service members were assessed in the context of either a pending disability evaluation (Medical Evaluation Board; MEB) or a non-MEB/clinical evaluation. Overall, 41.8% of the sample failed the Word Memory Test; however, significantly more individuals in the MEB group (54%) failed the measure relative to the non-MEB/clinical group (35%). Regardless of group membership, SVT performance had a notable impact on neurocognitive test scores as measured by effect sizes. SVT performance was less strongly associated with self-reported psychological symptoms as gauged by the Personality Assessment Inventory. The current results are discussed in light of previous research on SVT performance in veteran and active duty samples.