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