DBQs were developed as a specific means to collect the necessary medical information required to process Veterans disability claims.

DBQs provide Veterans with a way to submit medical evidence from their private health care provider to support claims for disability benefits.

A VA Claims Processor determines whether a compensation & pension (C&P) exam is needed. If needed, the Claims Processor will identify if the C&P exam will be performed by a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Examiner or Contract Examiner.

DBQ Guidelines

  • The VA or a VA Contract Examiner will either mail a letter, email, or call the Veteran with your appointment information. Prior to your exam, contact VA or VA Contract Examiner to confirm your exam date, time, and location. If your scheduled exam date or time does not work due to some other life event, immediately call the VA Medical Center or number provided by the VA Contact Examiner.  
  • If a Veteran has any questions concerning their VA C&P exam or needs to reschedule an appointment(s), they may contact VA at 800-827-1000; a trained representative is available to answer questions.
  • Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), attorneys, and agents are available to help in filing VA benefits claims. Use VA’s accreditation search to confirm and validate credentials at VA’s Office of General Counsel (OGC).
  • VHA and VA Contract Examiners are trained to conduct C&P disability examinations and there are no costs or hidden fees involved. VA will not pay or reimburse any expenses or costs incurred in the process of completing and/or submitting DBQs completed by the Veteran’s healthcare provider. VA may determine an additional disability examination is required to complete the claim for disability benefits. When a VA examination is scheduled, the claimant must cooperate by reporting for the examination. 
  • DBQs completed by non-VA providers must have all clinician information blocks at the bottom of the DBQs completed. The clinician completing the DBQ must sign and date the DBQ accordingly.
  • The use of VHA Examiners and VA Contract Examination Vendors reduces claims processing time by increasing access to examinations.

Report Suspicious Activity

  • If a Veteran is missing a VA benefits payment, identifies a discrepancy in payments, or finds suspicious activity with their direct deposit account, contact the VA immediately at 800-827-1000.
  • Veterans who suspect they have experienced fraud can file a report by visiting www.vsafe.gov or calling 833-38V-SAFE.
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Fraud Prevention – Veterans Benefits Administration (va.gov)