Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960M-14 (Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) 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 Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) 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 is the range of motion (ROM) of the thoracolumbar spine? WHY IT MATTERS: ROM measurements directly determine rating level TIPS: Do NOT push through pain; Stop at the point pain begins; Report where objective evidence of pain begins 2. Is there additional functional loss after repetitive use? WHY IT MATTERS: Can result in higher rating TIPS: Mention if movement gets harder with repetition 3. Are there flare-ups that affect function? WHY IT MATTERS: Flare-ups can warrant higher rating TIPS: Describe frequency, duration, and severity; Explain what triggers flare-ups; State how much MORE limited you are during flare-ups 4. Is there any neurological abnormality (radiculopathy)? WHY IT MATTERS: Radiculopathy is rated SEPARATELY TIPS: Report any shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in legs 5. Is there IVDS with incapacitating episodes? WHY IT MATTERS: Can provide alternative higher rating TIPS: Document episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by doctor

Common mistakes

• ×Pushing through pain during ROM testing
• ×Not reporting where pain BEGINS
• ×Forgetting to mention flare-ups

VA raters use the Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Forward flexion of thoracolumbar spine 2. Combined range of motion 3. Whether there is abnormal gait or spinal contour 4. Presence of ankylosis (frozen spine) 5. Incapacitating episodes from IVDS 6. Radiculopathy (rated separately) For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Not mentioning radicular symptoms (leg pain/numbness)
• ×Testing on a "good day"

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions DBQ exam: 1. Do NOT take pain medication before exam if possible 2. Schedule exam during typical or worse-than-average day 3. Have specific flare-up data: frequency, duration, triggers 4. Bring MRI or X-ray reports 5. Report pain at START of movement, not end 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.