Endocrine Diseases (Other than Thyroid, Parathyroid, or Diabetes)

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960E-2 (Endocrine Diseases (Other than Thyroid, Parathyroid, or Diabetes) 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 Endocrine Diseases (Other than Thyroid, Parathyroid, or Diabetes) 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. Have there been any adrenal or endocrine crisis episodes? WHY IT MATTERS: Frequency of crisis episodes is a major factor in higher ratings TIPS: Document every crisis event with dates and treatment; Include ER visits and hospitalizations; Note how often crises occur per year 2. Is hormone replacement therapy required? WHY IT MATTERS: Need for continuous hormone replacement supports disability rating TIPS: List all hormone medications with dosages; Document medication changes and adjustments over time 3. What is the functional impairment caused by the condition? WHY IT MATTERS: Functional limitations determine the overall disability level TIPS: Describe fatigue, weakness, and activity limitations; Explain impact on ability to work and perform daily tasks; Note any muscle wasting or weight changes 4. Are there secondary conditions caused by the endocrine disorder? WHY IT MATTERS: Secondary conditions such as cardiovascular or musculoskeletal effects may be rated separately TIPS: Common secondary effects include osteoporosis, hypertension, and muscle weakness; File separate claims for each secondary condition

Common mistakes

• ×Not documenting crisis episodes with specific dates and treatments
• ×Failing to connect secondary conditions to the primary endocrine disorder
• ×Not bringing lab results showing hormone levels over time

VA raters use the Endocrine Diseases (Other than Thyroid, Parathyroid, or Diabetes) DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Frequency of crisis episodes requiring medical intervention 2. Need for continuous hormone replacement therapy 3. Level of functional impairment (fatigue, weakness, activity limitations) 4. Presence of secondary complications (cardiovascular, musculoskeletal) 5. Whether the condition is controlled or progressive despite treatment For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Underreporting the impact of fatigue and weakness on daily function
• ×Assuming a controlled condition with medication means no disability

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Endocrine Diseases (Other than Thyroid, Parathyroid, or Diabetes) DBQ exam: 1. Bring lab results showing hormone levels before and during treatment 2. Document all crisis episodes with dates, symptoms, and medical response 3. List all medications including hormone replacements with dosage history 4. Describe how fatigue and weakness affect your work and daily activities 5. Identify and file secondary claims for complications like osteoporosis or hypertension 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.