Breast Conditions

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960K-1 (Breast 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 Breast 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 was the extent of the surgical procedure? WHY IT MATTERS: Rating depends on whether it was a simple mastectomy, radical mastectomy, or other breast surgery TIPS: Bring operative reports detailing the exact procedure; Note whether it was unilateral or bilateral 2. Is there lymphedema as a result of surgery? WHY IT MATTERS: Lymphedema can significantly affect function and may warrant additional rating consideration TIPS: Document swelling with measurements; Note if compression garments or physical therapy are needed 3. What functional impairment results from the surgery? WHY IT MATTERS: Limitations in arm movement, strength, and daily activities affect overall disability assessment TIPS: Describe specific activities limited by surgical complications; Note any range of motion limitations in the affected arm 4. Are there ongoing complications or residual effects? WHY IT MATTERS: Chronic pain, scarring, and nerve damage are separately ratable residual effects TIPS: Describe any chronic pain at the surgical site; Note numbness, tingling, or nerve pain in the chest or arm

Common mistakes

• ×Not claiming residual complications like lymphedema separately
• ×Failing to document functional limitations in the arm and shoulder
• ×Not bringing detailed operative reports

VA raters use the Breast Conditions DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Type and extent of mastectomy (simple vs radical, unilateral vs bilateral) 2. Presence of lymphedema and its severity 3. Functional impairment of the upper extremity 4. Whether there are residual surgical complications 5. DC 7626: Mastectomy ratings range from 0% to 80% based on extent and laterality For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Overlooking chronic pain and nerve damage as separate conditions

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Breast Conditions DBQ exam: 1. Bring all surgical and operative reports 2. Document lymphedema with measurements and photos if applicable 3. Describe functional limitations in daily activities 4. List all residual symptoms including pain, numbness, and limited motion 5. Bring records of physical therapy or ongoing treatments 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.