VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)

What Is a VA DBQ?

A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a standardized VA form, part of the VA Form 21-0960 series, that a clinician uses to document a specific medical condition. Each DBQ follows VA’s rating criteria for that condition. It covers the diagnosis, symptoms, test results, range of motion, flare-ups and how the condition affects work and daily life.

Because the DBQ asks the same questions VA uses to assign a rating, a complete and accurate DBQ gives the rater the medical details they need in a format they already know. VA states that veterans can use DBQs to submit medical evidence from their health care providers to support a disability claim.

Does VA Accept Private DBQs?

Yes. VA publishes a list of public DBQs that private clinicians may complete, and federal regulations allow VA to rate a claim on a private examination report or physician statement without further examination when it is adequate for rating purposes (38 CFR § 3.326).

• The clinician must complete the provider section. VA requires a private clinician to fill out all provider information at the bottom of the form and to sign and date it.
• VA may still order its own exam. A private DBQ doesn’t cancel a scheduled C&P exam. If VA schedules one, you must attend.
• VA may verify DBQs. VA reserves the right to confirm the authenticity of every DBQ it receives.
• VA doesn’t reimburse the cost. VA C&P exams are free. VA doesn’t pay for DBQs completed by private providers.

When Should You Get a Private DBQ?

A DBQ may be completed by your treating provider, by a VA examiner at your C&P exam, or by an independent medical consulting company like Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting. Your own treating provider or VA may complete a DBQ at little or no cost, and that is often a good first step.

Veterans often come to us when:

• Their treating provider doesn’t have time to complete a DBQ or isn’t familiar with the forms.
• Their C&P exam left out symptoms, flare-ups or functional limits that appear in their records.
• They’re filing for an increase and their current records don’t reflect how the condition has changed.
• They want the medical evidence organized against VA’s rating criteria before filing.

Which DBQs Can We Complete?

We complete a selection of public DBQs based on a review of your medical records. VA organizes public DBQs by body system, including musculoskeletal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiovascular, dermatological, ear, nose and throat, and others.

Not every DBQ can be completed from records or on a virtual platform. Some require in-person measurements or testing. Contact us before ordering and we’ll tell you whether your condition is a good fit.

Our Most Requested DBQs

• Migraine and headaches
• Sleep apnea
• Intestinal conditions

DBQs VA Does Not Release to the Public

VA lists these DBQs as not available for public use because of federal regulations or the specialized training needed to complete them:

• Initial Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
• Initial and Review Evaluations of Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Medical Opinion
• General Medical (Compensation and Pension) and Gulf War General Medical
• Cold Injury Residuals, Former POW Protocol and Separation Health Assessment Part B

For a condition without a public DBQ, such as a first-time PTSD claim, an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) or nexus letter may be the better form of evidence. An accredited legal professional like a VSO or an attorney may help you decide.