Fibromyalgia

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960C-5 (Fibromyalgia 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 Fibromyalgia 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. Are symptoms widespread and affecting multiple body areas? WHY IT MATTERS: Widespread musculoskeletal pain is required for diagnosis TIPS: Document pain in all four quadrants of the body 2. Are symptoms constant, nearly constant, or episodic? WHY IT MATTERS: Frequency directly determines rating level TIPS: Describe typical week vs flare-up week 3. Are symptoms refractory to therapy? WHY IT MATTERS: Refractory symptoms warrant higher (40%) rating TIPS: List all treatments tried and their effectiveness 4. What are the associated symptoms? WHY IT MATTERS: Fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive issues support rating TIPS: Report ALL associated symptoms including "fibro fog"

Common mistakes

• ×Not documenting all trigger/tender points
• ×Minimizing fatigue and cognitive symptoms
• ×Not listing all treatments tried

VA raters use the Fibromyalgia DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. 10%: Symptoms that require continuous medication for control 2. 20%: Episodic, with exacerbations often precipitated by stress 3. 40%: Constant or nearly constant, refractory to therapy 4. Widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points 5. Associated fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Failing to describe impact on daily functioning

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Fibromyalgia DBQ exam: 1. Keep a symptom diary for at least 3 months 2. List all treatments tried and results 3. Describe cognitive symptoms (memory, concentration) 4. Document impact on work, sleep, and daily activities 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.