How a DBQ for Migraines Strengthens Your VA Claim
By Telemedica
10/23/2024
If you experience migraines due to your military service, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits.
A disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ) can help add validity to your VA claim by providing comprehensive medical evidence.
Migraines impair numerous aspects of a person’s daily life, so it’s essential you receive the care and compensation you rightfully deserve.
This post will cover the value of a DBQ for migraines, how to get one, who can write a DBQ, and more.
Main Takeaways
- A migraines DBQ aids in documenting your medical conditions and associated symptoms when applying for VA disability benefits.
- You can get a DBQ for migraines from a VA or private healthcare provider or a VA contract examiner.
- Veterans use the DBQ neuro headaches form to document the severity and frequency of their headaches, providing essential medical evidence for a VA disability claim.
- Veterans suffering from migraines need a current medical diagnosis to be eligible for VA disability benefits.
What is a Migraine DBQ?
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a form the VA uses to document the medical conditions of veterans applying for disability benefits.
In the case of migraines, a specific DBQ is designed to inform the VA of the associated symptoms of your headaches, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of your condition.
These standardized forms are intended to provide detailed medical information required by the VA to assess the diagnosis, symptom severity, and impact of service-connected disabilities on your life.
Completed by a healthcare professional, DBQs help streamline the VA’s disability claims process by ensuring that all relevant information is provided accurately and consistently.
How to Get a DBQ for Migraines
You aren’t required to submit a VA DBQ for migraines with your disability claim; however, it may help provide vital medical evidence needed to receive disability compensation and prove service connection.
You can get your DBQ completed during your C&P exam for migraines. During a compensation and pension (C&P) exam, an examiner will ask a series of questions to help determine the severity and frequency of your condition and whether it is service connected.
If you choose to have a civilian physician complete a VA DBQ, you provide them with a VA Public DBQ form.
While it is highly recommended to obtain a VA DBQ, it’s important to note that the VA won’t reimburse you for expenses related to an examination by your private doctor.
It’s essential to have a migraine headache diagnosis to ensure a direct service connection.
Who Can Write a DBQ for Migraine Headaches?
VA healthcare providers, VA contract examiners, or private healthcare providers can fill out DBQs for migraines. We have a team of licensed healthcare providers at Telemedica that are experienced in writing high-quality DBQs.
In addition, Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PAs), and Medical Doctors (MDs) can complete DBQ forms for veterans. However, the forms must be signed and include the provider’s credentials to ensure validity.
You must print out a VA DBQ form before visiting your doctor. They will review and complete it at your appointment.
Once completed, you’ll keep a copy for your records and send the completed form to the VA. It’s always best to review the form before mailing it to ensure the information is accurate.
VA Migraine DBQ Form
The VA migraine DBQ form your healthcare provider will complete has questions regarding your condition to submit with your VA disability claim.
For example, there are multiple sections where your doctor can further explain your medical history, specific diagnoses, current prescription medications, and whether they reviewed your VA medical records.
In addition, the DBQ form has a section for migraine headache symptoms including, but not limited to:
- Constant head pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Changes in vision
- Vomiting
- Sensory changes
One of the final sections of the migraine DBQ allows the healthcare provider to specify where they believe your condition affects your ability to work. Finally, the doctor will sign the DBQ with their contact information.
Causes of Migraines in Veterans
Migraines are a painful headache condition that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of your head.
Migraine headaches can disrupt a veteran’s life, affecting more than half a million veterans.
Causes of migraine headaches in veterans include:
- Somatic symptom disorder
- Traumatic brain injury
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Toxin exposure
- Physical injuries
- Stress and sleep deprivation
It’s important to understand that migraines may lead to a secondary condition, which could entitle you to additional benefits and compensation. Ensure you have the appropriate medical evidence to provide a solid VA disability claim.
VA Disability Rating for Migraines
The VA rates migraines at 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50% under 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8100.
Your VA disability rating for migraine headaches will depend primarily on the frequency of attacks and the degree to which symptoms are “prostrating.”
A prostrating migraine involves extreme exhaustion, powerlessness, debilitation, or incapacitation with substantial inability to engage in ordinary activities.
For example, if you have migraines with persistent, completely prostrating, and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, you may qualify for a 50% VA rating. However, someone with less frequent attacks would be eligible for a lesser VA rating.
Medical Evidence Wins Claims
If you are a veteran suffering from migraines, our team of licensed providers at Telemedica can help write a disability benefits questionnaire.
Migraine attacks may stop you in your tracks, but we’re here to help guide and educate you through the VA disability claims process.
We can connect you with a licensed provider who understands your unique needs through our secure, private, and convenient platform. Contact us today!