By Larry Dandridge
According to the VA webpage titled “Compensation-Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)” found at https://bit.ly/4861vmz, DBQs help collect necessary medical information to process veterans disability claims. Veterans can use these forms to submit medical evidence from their health care providers. This information helps to support veterans’ claims for disability benefits.
There are 68 DBQs listed at the “VA DBQ” webpage. The DBQ process involves four steps: (1) Access the form online. (2) Have your healthcare provider complete the form; (3) Save a copy for your records; and (4) Submit the form to VA.
The VA directs veterans to have their health care provider fill out and submit the appropriate forms for their claimed conditions. Both VA healthcare providers and private physicians are eligible to complete DBQ forms. When a private doctor fills out a DBQ, it’s essential for the veteran to ensure that the physician is aware of the VA’s specific criteria and requirements for disability evaluation.
A DBQ is not required for every VA disability claim, but it can be instrumental in expediting the claims process and improving the accuracy of the disability evaluation. By providing detailed information on the specific condition and its impact on the veteran’s health, a DBQ can significantly improve and assist the evaluation process. It offers a “standardized way” for healthcare providers to supply the VA with critical medical evidence, which can lead to faster decisions and more accurate disability ratings.
While veterans can still pursue claims without a DBQ, having one completed by a qualified healthcare provider can enhance the claim’s clarity and comprehensiveness.
I must admit that this veterans’ advocate has never used a DBQ with any of my more than 20 service-connected disability claims. However, I have always included signed doctor and/or medical specialist (Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Chiropractor, Dentist, etc.) statements with each claim. I used every possible form of evidence I could muster to prove I had a service-connected injury, wound, illness, disease, condition, and HAZMAT contamination/exposure that was caused by military service, or worsened by my military service, or was caused by my military service and showed up after I retired from the military.
I used multiple Lay Witness Statements (spouse, battle buddies, etc.), military medical records and personnel records, detailed descriptions of symptoms, Line of Duty Investigation Reports, Accident Reports, Enlisted Efficiency Reports, Officer Efficiency Reports, pictures of battle damaged hellos I flew, pictures of my wounds, my VA medical records, civilian medical records, medical articles, medical books (like Touched With Fire by Kay R. Jamison), medical study reports, unit historical records, Operational Hazard Reports, interviews with doctors, lists of medications, and everything I could assemble to support my claims and the hundreds of claims of veterans I assisted.
The detailed and standardized format of DBQs does help in providing consistent and comprehensive medical evidence, allowing the VA to make informed decisions. Veterans should discuss the DBQ with their healthcare provider to ensure it is filled out accurately.
The VA does not pay or reimburse any expenses or costs incurred while completing or submitting DBQs.
In most instances, veterans are entitled to a no cost disability examination by the VA. In some instances, the VA may determine an additional disability examination is required to complete the claim. If an exam is scheduled, the veteran must report for the examination.
If filing through a Benefits Delivery at Discharge or Integrated Disability Evaluation System, military members/veterans must complete the Separation Health Assessment DBQ – Part A. You can find the Separation Health Assessment DBQ – Part A at https://bit.ly/4etMQ7H.
You can find the Guidance for Separation Health Assessment DBQ – Part A at https://bit.ly/4ev8lF4.
All clinician information blocks at the bottom of the forms must be completed. Also, the clinician filling out the form must sign and date it.
Use a VSO
Veterans can find S.C. County VSOs at https://bit.ly/3qbLVSL. Find Georgia VSOs at https://bit.ly/44KMVA7. Veterans can search for VA-accredited representatives (VSOs, Attorneys, and Claims Agents) nationwide at https://bit.ly/3QnCk5M or https://bit.ly/3QnCk5M. Veterans can also search for VA-accredited representatives (VSOs) at VBA Regional Offices at https://bit.ly/3WQp0e3.
The bottom line
Use DBQs to help answer every VA question and meet every VA requirement about your eligibility for disability compensation. Make an appointment with your local VSO. Have your VSO explain your state and federal veterans’ benefits. Have your VSO represent you and help you file for your veterans’ benefits and services. Assemble every piece of evidence that you can muster to support your claim. Read all of the references below.
References
- Compensation-Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), https://bit.ly/4861vmz.
- VA Disability Compensation https://www.va.gov/disability/.
- Eligibility (Requirements for VA Disability Compensation) https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/.
- How to File a VA Disability (Compensation) Claim, https://bit.ly/3wYGMRJ.
- Types of Disability Claims and When to File, https://bit.ly/3m6K3M9.
- Evidence Needed for Your Disability Claim, https://bit.ly/3w6YGAN.
- Fully Developed Claims Program, https://bit.ly/3CTtFV0.
- Standard Disability Claims https://bit.ly/3Z7UGNg.
- File Additional Forms for Your Disability Claim, https://bit.ly/3XgpDxU
- Supporting forms for VA claims, https://bit.ly/3KPYQ7I.
- Submit a Lay or Witness Statement to Support a VA claim, https://bit.ly/3YNARMi.
- Submit an Intent to File, https://bit.ly/3UMOwlK.
- VA Office of Inspector General FRAUD ALERT DBQ Fraud Schemes), DBQ fraud schemes include attempts to obtain payment from veterans for assistance with getting DBQs completed by physicians and filing the related claim, even though free services are offered through VA and its accredited individuals, https://bit.ly/4g18Sjx.
- VA accredited representative FAQs, https://bit.ly/3TcLOoK.
- Separation Health Assessment DBQ/Part A, https://bit.ly/3O2PSF1.
- Guidance for Separation Health Assessment DBQ/Part A, https://bit.ly/4ev8lF4.
- Authorization to Disclose Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs VA Form 21-4142, https://bit.ly/3O4uy2c and VA Form 21-4142a.
- General Release for Medical Provider Information to the Department of Veteran Affairs, https://bit.ly/4fl4yeJ.
- VA Compensation (Claim Exam In formation), https://bit.ly/4fsZDZl.
- VA Claim Exam (C&P Exam), https://www.va.gov/disability/va-claim-exam/.
- Get Help from a VA-accredited Representative or VSO, https://bit.ly/3WwDXmN.
- Find a VA-accredited Rep or VSO, https://bit.ly/4g9yGdW.
- About VA Disability Ratings, https://bit.ly/3N2Cnns.
- Current Disability Compensation Rates, https://bit.ly/3ZnUuu0.
- Disability Compensation Effective Dates, https://bit.ly/3ZjtTxy.
- VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, https://bit.ly/3YXZPKh.
- 38CFR Part 3 Compensation and Pension, https://bit.ly/3YZVK8t.
- 38CFR Part 4 Schedule for Rating Disabilities, https://bit.ly/3YYZqr4.
- “How to File a VA disability Claim,” The Island News articles 1 and 2, Aug 16 and 23, 2023, https://www.yourislandnews.com and click on Military.
- “What Veterans Should Know about VA Claim Exams,” The Island News articles 1 thru 4, Nov 15, 22, 29, 2023 and Dec 5, 2024, https://www.yourislandnews.com and click on Military.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing free-lance writer with the Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
