Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960C-6 (Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 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 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 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 frequency of exacerbations? WHY IT MATTERS: Exacerbation frequency is a key rating factor TIPS: Document every exacerbation with dates and duration 2. What residual disability exists between episodes? WHY IT MATTERS: Residual disability between relapses increases rating TIPS: Describe your baseline between attacks 3. What functional limitations are present? WHY IT MATTERS: Overall functional impairment determines rating TIPS: Describe mobility, vision, bowel/bladder, and cognitive issues

Common mistakes

• ×Not documenting every exacerbation
• ×Failing to describe residual deficits between episodes
• ×Not reporting cognitive symptoms

VA raters use the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Minimum 30% rating for MS diagnosis 2. Frequency and severity of exacerbations 3. Residual disability between episodes 4. Functional limitations (mobility, vision, cognition) 5. Bowel/bladder dysfunction (rated separately) For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Forgetting to claim bowel/bladder dysfunction separately

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) DBQ exam: 1. Keep detailed records of every exacerbation 2. Describe your baseline functioning between attacks 3. Report ALL symptoms including cognitive and fatigue 4. Bring neurologist reports and MRI results 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.