HIV-Related Illnesses

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960I-1 (HIV-Related Illnesses 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 HIV-Related Illnesses 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 CD4 count and trend over time? WHY IT MATTERS: CD4 count is a primary indicator of immune function and disease progression TIPS: Bring recent lab results showing CD4 counts over the past year; Note any significant drops or trends 2. What is the current viral load? WHY IT MATTERS: Viral load indicates how well the disease is controlled and treatment effectiveness TIPS: Undetectable viral load still qualifies for rating based on medication requirements; Bring lab results showing viral load history 3. Have there been any opportunistic infections? WHY IT MATTERS: Opportunistic infections indicate advanced disease and can warrant higher ratings or separate ratings for residuals TIPS: Document every infection with dates and treatment; Include recurrent infections even if resolved 4. What antiretroviral therapy is being used and what are the side effects? WHY IT MATTERS: Medication side effects contribute to functional impairment and overall disability picture TIPS: List all current medications; Document side effects like nausea, fatigue, neuropathy 5. What functional limitations result from HIV or its treatment? WHY IT MATTERS: Functional impact on work and daily life directly affects rating level TIPS: Describe fatigue levels, missed work, inability to perform tasks; Mention any cognitive effects

Common mistakes

• ×Assuming undetectable viral load means 0% rating - medication dependence alone supports a rating
• ×Not documenting all opportunistic infections and their residuals
• ×Failing to report medication side effects as part of the disability picture

VA raters use the HIV-Related Illnesses DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Whether HIV is asymptomatic or symptomatic 2. CD4 count levels and immune function 3. Presence and frequency of opportunistic infections 4. Need for approved medications (antiretroviral therapy) 5. Functional impairment including inability to work 6. Development of AIDS-defining conditions For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Not mentioning fatigue and cognitive symptoms that affect daily functioning

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the HIV-Related Illnesses DBQ exam: 1. Bring comprehensive lab history showing CD4 counts and viral loads over time 2. List all current and past antiretroviral medications with side effects 3. Document every opportunistic infection with dates and outcomes 4. Describe how HIV and its treatment affect your ability to work and perform daily activities 5. If you have been hospitalized, bring discharge summaries 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.