VA DBQ PTSD forms and what the questionnaire covers
The VA DBQ PTSD form is the questionnaire an examiner fills out to describe your PTSD for VA. DBQ stands for Disability Benefits Questionnaire. VA uses these forms so that the medical information it needs to rate a condition comes in one standard format. For PTSD, the answers on the DBQ map closely to the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders in 38 CFR 4.130, so knowing what the form asks helps you prepare for your exam and understand your rating.
Important note
This guide is general information about VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires and 38 CFR 4.130 and is not medical or legal advice. MilitaryMedicine is an independent service and is not affiliated with the VA or the Department of Defense. If you are in crisis, call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Two versions of the PTSD DBQ
There are two PTSD questionnaires. The initial PTSD DBQ is used the first time VA looks at a PTSD claim. It covers the diagnosis, the stressor and the symptoms in full. The review PTSD DBQ is used when VA already has a PTSD diagnosis on file, for example for a claim for an increase or a scheduled review. It focuses on your current symptoms and how they affect your life now.
- Initial PTSD DBQ: first claim for PTSD
- Review PTSD DBQ: increase claims and reexaminations
The diagnosis section
The examiner states whether you have a diagnosis of PTSD that meets the current diagnostic criteria, and whether you have any other mental health diagnoses. If you have more than one, the examiner explains which symptoms belong to which condition, or says that they cannot be separated. When symptoms cannot be separated, VA treats them all as part of the service-connected condition.
The stressor section
On the initial DBQ, the examiner records the stressor, the event in service that caused your PTSD, and whether it is enough to support the diagnosis. Some stressors relate to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, and some relate to personal assault, including military sexual trauma. Our mst va rating guide explains the special evidence rule for assault based claims.
The symptom checklist
The form has a long checklist of symptoms. The examiner marks each one that applies to you. Many items match the examples in the rating formula, which is why the checklist matters so much for your rating.
- Depressed mood, anxiety and suspiciousness
- Panic attacks, how often they happen
- Chronic sleep problems
- Memory loss, mild or severe
- Trouble with motivation, mood and relationships
- Suicidal ideation
- Impaired impulse control
- Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene
- Disorientation, delusions or hallucinations
The level of occupational and social impairment
The most important part of the DBQ is one box. The examiner picks the statement that best describes your overall occupational and social impairment. The choices line up with the rating levels in 38 CFR 4.130, from a diagnosis without impairment that needs continuous medication, up to total occupational and social impairment. VA makes the rating decision, not the examiner, but this box carries a lot of weight. Our ptsd va disability rating guide explains each level.
- 0 or 10 percent: mild or controlled symptoms
- 30 percent: occasional decrease in work efficiency
- 50 percent: reduced reliability and productivity
- 70 percent: deficiencies in most areas
- 100 percent: total occupational and social impairment
Where to find the PTSD DBQ
VA publishes many DBQ forms on VA.gov for the public. You and your private provider can read them before your exam and use them to understand what VA asks about. Some forms are used only by VA examiners. Check VA.gov for the current list, because VA updates and retires forms from time to time.
Private medical opinions
You can send VA evidence from your own doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist. A private provider can fill out a public DBQ or write a medical opinion letter. VA weighs a private opinion with all the other evidence, so a clear, complete opinion with reasons tends to carry more weight. A private opinion does not always replace a VA exam, but it can support your claim or show where a VA exam missed something.
- Make sure the provider reviewed your records
- Ask for specific examples of how symptoms affect work and family life
- Ask for reasons behind each conclusion
How the DBQ connects to your C&P exam
For most claims, the DBQ is completed during a compensation and pension exam by a VA examiner or a VA-contracted examiner. The exam is often a conversation about your history and your symptoms. Be honest and complete, describe your worst days as well as your average days, and bring notes if that helps. Our va c&p exam guide explains what to expect, and our va rating for ptsd guide covers the full formula.
How your PTSD rating fits into your combined rating
VA combines all your service-connected ratings with the whole person method in 38 CFR 4.25. Our va math guide shows each step, and the va combined rating calculator does it for you.
Getting help with a PTSD claim
Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) help with claims at no cost. Accredited attorneys and claims agents generally may not charge you before VA issues an initial decision on a claim (38 CFR 14.636). If your DBQ or exam seems incomplete, a va disability lawyer can review it with you.