When you apply for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, you will need to submit various forms and documents to establish that you have a qualifying disability. One of the documents you may need to submit with your VA disability application includes a disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ) form. But what is a DBQ? Understanding the role that a DBQ plays in a VA disability benefits application and what you need to do when completing a DBQ form can help you maximize your chances of approval for VA disability benefits.
Understanding VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires
A disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ) is a form used by the VA during a disability benefits application to help the VA gather medical information about a veteran’s claimed disability. The VA has dozens of DBQ forms tailored to specific medical conditions or body systems. As a result, a veteran who completes a DBQ must use the form(s) appropriate for their claimed service-connected condition(s). A veteran may work with their treating physician or specialist to complete a DBQ to submit to the VA. VA clinicians may also complete DBQs when examining veterans who have submitted claims for disability benefits.
When Does the VA Require DBQs?
The VA may require a DBQ during an initial disability benefits application when it requires a veteran to undergo a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. Veterans may also complete and submit DBQs on their own, especially when the VA does not ask for a C&P exam. The VA may also request a DBQ for a veteran who requests an increase in their disability rating. Finally, some veterans may need to undergo periodic reexaminations to assess the current status of their disability, which may involve completing DBQs.
What Should You Gather Before Completing a DBQ?
When you decide to complete a DBQ with your doctor or a specialist, you should gather documents and information to help complete the form, including:
- Your medical records, including records directly related to your service-connected condition(s)
- Imaging scans, lab results, and specialist reports
- A list of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life or work
- A list of your medications
- A description of your treatment history
- Any prior decision letters from the VA for the condition(s)
Tips for Working with Your Doctor on the DBQ
In most cases, you will need to work with your doctor to complete a DBQ, as having your physician involved in drafting the DBQ can bolster its credibility and usefulness. However, some doctors may lack experience in completing forms associated with VA disability benefits applications. As a result, best practices for working with your doctor to complete a DBQ for your disability benefits claim include:
- Choose a treating provider who has experience with VA disability evaluations
- Maintain open, honest communication with your doctor about your symptoms, their severity, and frequency
- Avoid downplaying your symptoms
- Remember to bring medical records, other supporting documentation, and information to the appointment
- Have your disability benefits attorney or advocate work with your physician if they have less experience with VA terminology or regulations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common errors that veterans make when completing DBQs that you should avoid in filling out your form include:
- Leaving form sections blank or incomplete
- Inputting information inconsistent with your medical record
- Using a physician unfamiliar with the VA disability system without providing them support from your VA disability attorney or advocate
- Forgetting to sign or verify the form
- Missing deadlines for submitting forms
How DBQs Affect Your Claim
The VA uses the information provided in DBQs to understand the nature and severity of your service-connected condition(s). Claims reviewers base disability ratings for veterans’ conditions in part on the information from DBQs. A DBQ that clearly documents a service-connected condition and assesses the nature and severity of symptoms from a medical condition using the same terminology as the VA’s rating criteria can speed up a decision on a disability benefits claim.
Contact a VA Disability Lawyer Today
Applying for VA disability benefits may require you to complete and submit a disability benefits questionnaire for the VA. Contact Veterans Law Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a VA disability benefits attorney to learn more about the importance of DBQs and what you need to know when completing one for your VA benefits application.
