What is a VA DBQ?
By Telemedica
11/21/2025
A disability benefits questionnaire, or DBQ, is one of the most valuable tools you can use to strengthen your VA disability claim.
It’s designed to provide the VA with a clear, standardized snapshot of your medical condition, directly from a licensed healthcare provider.
A DBQ makes the VA’s review process smoother and faster by providing detailed, structured medical information about your current diagnosis, symptoms, and how your condition affects your daily life.
Key Takeaways
- A disability benefits questionnaire is a VA form that records medical details about your condition, so the VA can determine its severity and assign a rating.
- A DBQ form must be completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider, such as a VA examiner, a VA-contracted provider, or a qualified civilian clinician, including a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
- A well-documented DBQ can speed up your claim decision by giving the VA a complete picture of your condition upfront.
What is a VA DBQ?
Disability benefits questionnaires are forms that the VA uses to collect detailed medical information about your condition.
Healthcare providers complete these forms during medical evaluations, such as the compensation & pension (C&P) exam, to document and measure your disability.
A VA DBQ form includes your current diagnosis, symptoms, medications, and how your condition affects your daily function.
Did you know? Since 2021, veterans have been allowed to use public DBQs, meaning the form no longer has to be completed solely by a VA or VA-contracted provider.
Types of DBQs
There are many types of DBQs, each designed for a specific condition or body system.
If your doctor doesn’t see your exact condition on the list of VA DBQs, they’ll select the form that most closely matches it.
Common VA DBQ forms include:
>>View the Complete List of DBQs
Why are DBQs Important for VA Claims?
A clear and complete DBQ can make it easier for the VA to understand your symptoms and make a faster decision.
A well-documented DBQ can also prevent unnecessary exams or requests for more information, saving you time and reducing frustration during the claims process.
Ensure that your provider completes the correct DBQ for your condition and submits it with your other claim paperwork.
Is a DBQ Required for VA Claims?
No, DBQs aren’t required to file or win a disability claim, but they can make your claim much stronger.
Submitting a completed DBQ form from a licensed provider allows the VA to clearly see how your disability affects your daily life, work, and overall function.
While the VA may schedule its own compensation & pension (C&P) exam, having a detailed DBQ already on file may speed up the process and reduce the chance of delays or denials.
How to Obtain a DBQ
A DBQ form must be filled out and signed by a licensed healthcare provider.
This can include:
- A VA examiner
- A VA-contracted provider
- A qualified civilian clinician, such as:
- A medical doctor (including specialists)
- A nurse practitioner
- A physician assistant
If your DBQ is completed during your C&P exam, the VA will handle the form on your behalf.
If you choose to use a private provider, download the VA Public DBQ form, print or email it to your provider, and ask them to complete and sign it with their credentials.
Before submitting, review the form to make sure all information is accurate. Then send your completed DBQ form to the VA with your disability claim and keep a copy for your records.
Did You Know? You can obtain a DBQ through Telemedica from anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection.
Conclusion
A VA DBQ gives you a structured way to present clear medical evidence that supports your disability claim.
When completed correctly, it can lead to faster decisions, fewer exams, and a more accurate rating.
If you’re filing or appealing a VA disability claim, getting a properly completed DBQ from a qualified provider can make all the difference in securing the benefits you’ve earned.
Additional DBQ Guides
Medical Evidence Wins Claims
Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?
Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims!
Schedule your 20-minute consultation and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your VA claim.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What is a disability benefits questionnaire?
A disability benefits questionnaire, or DBQ, is a VA form used to document medical details about your condition. It provides the VA with the necessary information to assess the severity of your disability and assign an accurate rating.
How can I see a completed DBQ?
You can view a completed DBQ by logging into your VA.gov or My HealtheVet account and downloading your medical records after your C&P exam. You can also request a copy directly from the VA or your healthcare provider.
Who fills out a VA DBQ?
A VA DBQ must be filled out and signed by a licensed healthcare provider. This can include a VA examiner, a VA-contracted provider, or a qualified civilian clinician such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Is a DBQ the same as a C&P exam?
No. A C&P exam is an appointment scheduled by the VA to evaluate your condition, while a DBQ is the form used to record the medical findings from that exam.
Is a DBQ a good thing?
Yes. A DBQ can strengthen your claim and expedite the review process. It provides the VA with clear, structured medical evidence, which can lead to a more accurate and timely decision.
How do I get a DBQ form?
You can download public DBQs directly from the VA’s website. If your provider can’t find the exact form for your condition, they’ll use the one that most closely matches it.
Does submitting a DBQ guarantee a higher rating?
No. A DBQ strengthens your claim by providing solid medical evidence, but the final rating depends on how your condition meets VA rating criteria.