What's a DBQ, and why is it important for veterans? For starters: DBQ stands for "disability benefits questionnaire", and is simply a VA form that is used for rating percentages. It's usually presented in conjunction with a Nexus Letter (a medical opinion document, since DBQs don't contain medical opinions).
Many veterans find themselves confused over who can complete a DBQ for their VA disability benefits claim – and the simple answer is that DBQs can be completed by VA or non-VA providers, allowing for a lot of flexibility.
So, how does the VA write out their requirements for DBQ preparation? Read on to find out:
The VA is clear about who can write DBQs
Take a look at the VA's M21-1, section IV.i.3.A.1.d "Review of DBQs" and you'll find an established set of rules about who can write DBQs for veterans. We'll sum it up for you here to keep things simple:
Private DBQs are accepted by the VA (this means that someone like us at MRPY Professional Services can prepare it for you, even if they aren't affiliated with the VA)
They do NOT need to be written or signed by a doctor (MD)
They can be written by private providers, licensed healthcare providers, nurse practitioners, or physician's assistants
Is there any way your DBQ could be rejected?
In order for a DBQ written by a non-VA provider to be considered sufficient, the VA states that "it should generally be accepted at face value unless there is reason to doubt or question it". This means that they can only reject a privately written DBQ if they have justifiable reasons to do so, which can include one or more of the following:
The DBQ…
"Is missing information or contains blank or contradictory values in fields that are relevant to the rating activity."
"Was completed by a non-VA provider whose records the Veteran has requested be considered in connection with the claim via submission of
"Requires additional examination components, such as
A review of service treatment records, or
performance of specific confirmatory or laboratory testing, and/or rendition of a medical opinion."'
Other listed potential indicators of DBQ inauthenticity include:
Unverifiable contact information of the non-VA DBQ provider
Distance of more than 100 miles between the non-VA DBQ provider and the veteran, with reports of regular in-person visits or an in-person examination
Info within the DBQ conflict's the veteran's overall record
There are signs of improper alteration (inconsistent text or formatting)
So, what happens if one or more of the above occur with your DBQ? It's not necessarily the end of the world. The VA states: "The presence of one or more of these potential indicators of inauthenticity does not automatically mean that a privately completed DBQ is inauthentic or fraudulent. However, the presence of one or more of these indicators may call into question the authenticity of the information provided and may warrant additional development". Our recommendation is to choose a reputable, top rated provider that you can trust to avoid errors in completion.
What about veterans who are physicians or healthcare providers?
Veterans who are physicians or healthcare providers are allowed to write their own DBQs. These documents will be reviewed in the same manner as others submitted by third-party providers.
We help veterans with DBQs and more
We draft DBQs, nexus letters, and other medical documentation for veterans who are preparing to submit a VA disability benefits claim. We can help you document your symptoms and prove service-connection, getting you the benefits you deserve. Ready to start? It's simple – begin by scheduling a chart review, or view our full list of services here. Help is just a quick call (or a couple of clicks) away.
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