Eating Disorders

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960P-1 (Eating Disorders 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 Eating Disorders 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 diagnosis? WHY IT MATTERS: Confirms qualifying eating disorder diagnosis TIPS: Bring mental health treatment records 2. What is the frequency of episodes? WHY IT MATTERS: Episode frequency and severity affect rating TIPS: Track episodes with dates and descriptions 3. What is the level of occupational and social impairment? WHY IT MATTERS: Same General Rating Formula as other mental disorders TIPS: Describe worst functioning, not best days

Common mistakes

• ×Minimizing episode frequency
• ×Not reporting physical complications
• ×Failing to describe occupational impact

VA raters use the Eating Disorders DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Level of occupational and social impairment 2. Frequency and severity of episodes 3. Hospitalization history 4. Impact on physical health (weight, dental, cardiac) 5. Need for continuous treatment For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Not bringing treatment records

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Eating Disorders DBQ exam: 1. Track episode frequency for at least 3 months 2. Bring all mental health and medical treatment records 3. Describe impact on work and relationships 4. Document any hospitalizations or ER visits 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.