Master the DBQ Mental Health Process
Your complete guide to VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires for mental health conditions
Standardized Forms
Mental Health Specific
Rating Criteria
Provider Completed
What Is a Mental Health DBQ?
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a standardized form used by the VA to evaluate mental health conditions. These forms ensure all veterans receive consistent evaluations regardless of where they’re examined.
Key Benefits of DBQs:
- Speeds up claim processing
- Ensures complete evaluations
- Can be completed by private providers
- Standardizes rating decisions
Mental Health DBQ Types
Initial PTSD
For first-time PTSD claims with verified stressor
Review PTSD
For increase claims or re-evaluations
Mental Disorders (except PTSD)
Depression, anxiety, bipolar, adjustment disorders
Eating Disorders
Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating
What Mental Health DBQs Evaluate
Medical History
- Onset and duration of symptoms
- Treatment history
- Hospitalizations
- Medication response
Current Symptoms
- Depression/mood symptoms
- Anxiety manifestations
- Sleep disturbances
- Cognitive problems
Functional Impact
- Work performance
- Social relationships
- Daily activities
- Self-care abilities
How DBQs Determine Your Rating
0% – Mental condition diagnosed but symptoms controlled
Medication controls symptoms with no functional impairment
10% – Mild symptoms during high stress
Occupational and social functioning generally satisfactory
30% – Occasional decrease in work efficiency
Intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks
50% – Reduced reliability and productivity
Flattened affect, panic attacks, memory problems
70% – Deficiencies in most areas
Suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic
100% – Total occupational and social impairment
Gross impairment in thought or communication
Preparing for Your DBQ Evaluation
Before the Exam
- List all symptoms
- Document bad days
- Gather treatment records
- Write impact examples
During the Exam
- Be honest and complete
- Don’t minimize symptoms
- Provide specific examples
- Describe worst days
What to Bring
- Medication list
- Treatment timeline
- Symptom diary
- Support statements
Key DBQ Sections Explained
Section I: Diagnosis
Lists all current mental health diagnoses using DSM-5 criteria
Section II: Medical History
Documents onset, course, and treatment of conditions
Section III: Symptoms
Checkbox format covering all possible mental health symptoms
Section IV: Other Symptoms
Space for symptoms not listed in standard checkboxes
Section V: Competency
Assesses ability to manage financial affairs
Section VI: Occupational Impact
Details how symptoms affect work performance
Section VII: Remarks
Provider’s additional observations and opinions
Tips for an Accurate DBQ Evaluation
Communication Tips
- Use “I” statements
- Be specific with dates
- Describe frequency of symptoms
- Don’t leave anything out
Common Mistakes
- Minimizing symptoms
- Focusing on good days
- Being too brief
- Forgetting medications
Private DBQ vs. VA C&P Exam
Private DBQ Advantages
- Choose your provider
- More time for evaluation
- Comfortable setting
- Can review before submission
- Provider advocacy
C&P Exam Characteristics
- VA-assigned examiner
- Limited time (often 30 min)
- Clinical setting
- No review opportunity
- Neutral evaluation
DBQ Success Story
“My private DBQ caught symptoms the C&P exam missed. The detailed evaluation helped me go from 30% to 70% for my PTSD. The extra time with the doctor made all the difference.”
– Marine Veteran, California
After Your DBQ is Complete
1
Review
Check DBQ for accuracy
2
Submit
File with VA claim
3
Track
Monitor claim status
✓
Decision
Receive rating
Get Your Mental Health DBQ
Complete evaluation by Dr. Ronald Lee, Harvard-trained psychiatrist with VA expertise
Schedule DBQ Evaluation
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about VA DBQs for mental health conditions. Individual results vary. Consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance on your specific claim.
