Mental Disorders (Other than PTSD)

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960P-2 (Mental Disorders (Other than PTSD) 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 Mental Disorders (Other than PTSD) 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 level of occupational and social impairment is present? WHY IT MATTERS: This directly determines your rating percentage TIPS: Describe your WORST functioning, not your best days 2. What symptoms are present? WHY IT MATTERS: Each symptom supports the impairment level determination TIPS: Report ALL symptoms; Include sleep disturbance, concentration problems, memory issues; Mention suicidal ideation if present (past or current) 3. How do symptoms affect work and relationships? WHY IT MATTERS: Occupational and social impairment is the core rating factor TIPS: Describe difficulty maintaining work, relationships, and daily routines 4. What treatment is current? WHY IT MATTERS: Treatment requirements support rating level TIPS: List all medications, therapy frequency, and hospitalizations

Common mistakes

• ×Minimizing symptoms to appear "fine"
• ×Describing average days instead of worst days
• ×Not mentioning suicidal thoughts (past or present)

VA raters use the Mental Disorders (Other than PTSD) DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Level of occupational and social impairment (same criteria as PTSD) 2. 10%: Mild symptoms controlled by medication 3. 30%: Occasional decrease in work efficiency 4. 50%: Reduced reliability and productivity 5. 70%: Deficiencies in most areas 6. 100%: Total occupational and social impairment For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Forgetting to report panic attacks, memory lapses, or isolation
• ×Not bringing treatment records and medication list

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Mental Disorders (Other than PTSD) DBQ exam: 1. List all symptoms with frequency and severity 2. Describe your worst days and worst episodes 3. Bring treatment records, medication list, and therapy notes 4. Have examples of how mental health affects work and relationships 5. Report hospitalizations and ER visits for mental health 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.