Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960C-2 (Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases 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 Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases 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 current level of neurological impairment? WHY IT MATTERS: Impairment level directly determines rating TIPS: Describe balance, coordination, speech, and swallowing ability 2. Are assistive devices required? WHY IT MATTERS: Need for assistive devices indicates severity TIPS: Bring all devices you use (cane, walker, wheelchair) 3. Is there any bowel or bladder dysfunction? WHY IT MATTERS: Bowel/bladder dysfunction rated separately TIPS: Report incontinence and frequency with specifics

Common mistakes

• ×Not bringing assistive devices to the exam
• ×Minimizing balance and coordination problems
• ×Forgetting to mention bowel/bladder issues

VA raters use the Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Level of neurological impairment 2. Impact on mobility and balance 3. Speech and swallowing function 4. Need for assistive devices 5. Bowel/bladder dysfunction (rated separately) For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Not describing impact on daily activities

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases DBQ exam: 1. Bring all assistive devices you use 2. Describe your worst days in detail 3. Document falls and near-falls with dates 4. Report all neurological symptoms including subtle ones 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.