Artery and Vein Conditions

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960A-1 (Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ) after examining you. This walkthrough helps you prepare them. The DBQ is a standardized questionnaire; your doctor's answers directly determine your VA rating. Brief them on these specific points before the exam so nothing important is missed or underdocumented.

Common mistakes

• ×Asking your doctor to just "fill out the VA form" without briefing them - an uninformed completion is often generic and leads to lower ratings.
• ×Bringing the DBQ to a provider who has never seen you before - your treating physician who knows your history will write the most credible documentation.
• ×Going to the exam and waiting for the doctor to ask questions - come prepared with specific examples of your worst days and functional limitations.

These are the key clinical questions from the Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ. Help your doctor understand what each question is asking and give them concrete examples for your situation. Print this section and bring it to the appointment. 1. What vascular symptoms are present (claudication, rest pain, ulceration)? WHY IT MATTERS: Severity of symptoms directly determines the rating level TIPS: Describe pain at rest vs. during activity; Note any skin changes or ulceration 2. Are there trophic changes (thin skin, absence of hair, dystrophic nails)? WHY IT MATTERS: Trophic changes indicate advanced vascular disease and support higher ratings TIPS: Point out any visible skin changes to the examiner; Document nail or hair changes in affected areas 3. What is the claudication distance (how far can you walk before pain)? WHY IT MATTERS: Walking distance thresholds determine specific rating percentages TIPS: Be specific about distance in feet or yards; Describe what happens when you exceed that distance 4. What are the Ankle/Brachial Index (ABI) measurements? WHY IT MATTERS: ABI values provide objective evidence of arterial insufficiency TIPS: Request ABI testing if not already done; Values below 0.9 indicate peripheral artery disease 5. Is there persistent edema or stasis pigmentation? WHY IT MATTERS: These findings support higher ratings for venous conditions TIPS: Describe how often swelling occurs; Note if compression stockings are required

Common mistakes

• ×Not requesting ABI testing before the exam
• ×Describing symptoms only during good days
• ×Failing to mention trophic changes (thin skin, hair loss, nail dystrophy)

VA raters use the Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. ABI measurement values 2. Claudication distance on treadmill or measured walking 3. Presence of trophic changes (skin, hair, nails) 4. Rest pain or ischemic limb pain 5. Presence of ulceration or tissue loss 6. Whether condition requires amputation For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Not documenting claudication distance with specifics
• ×Forgetting to report use of compression stockings or other assistive devices

Authority

• 38 CFR 4.1 - Functional impairment as the basis for rating.

Preparation checklist for the Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ exam: 1. Bring recent ABI or vascular study results 2. Track your walking distance limitations for at least a month 3. Photograph any trophic changes, ulcers, or skin discoloration 4. List all vascular medications and treatments 5. Describe impact on daily activities like walking, standing, and working Remember: Describe your WORST days, not your average days. VA raters evaluate the full range of your disability including its worst manifestations.

Common mistakes

• ×Describing your best days or average functioning instead of your worst - VA rates the full range of disability.
• ×Minimizing symptoms out of stoicism or pride - accurate documentation is not exaggeration; it is honesty.
• ×Not mentioning secondary symptoms, side effects, or additional conditions the doctor may not ask about.