Muscle Injuries

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960M-8 (Muscle Injuries 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 Muscle Injuries 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. Which muscle group is affected? WHY IT MATTERS: Each muscle group (I through XXIII) has its own diagnostic code and rating criteria TIPS: The examiner should identify the specific muscle group(s) involved; Multiple muscle groups can be rated separately 2. Are the cardinal signs of muscle disability present (weakness, fatigue-pain, incoordination, uncertainty of movement)? WHY IT MATTERS: These four cardinal signs determine the severity level (slight, moderate, moderately severe, or severe) TIPS: Report all four symptoms even if some are mild; Describe how each sign manifests during activity 3. Is there measurable tissue loss or muscle substance loss? WHY IT MATTERS: Visible or palpable loss of muscle mass supports higher severity ratings TIPS: Compare the injured side to the uninjured side; Mention any visible indentation or atrophy 4. Is there scar adhesion to bone or deep tissue? WHY IT MATTERS: Adherent scars that limit underlying muscle function can warrant additional rating consideration TIPS: Report if the scar feels stuck or pulls during movement; Scars may also be rated separately

Common mistakes

• ×Not identifying all affected muscle groups for separate ratings
• ×Failing to describe all four cardinal signs of muscle disability
• ×Not documenting the original injury mechanism (important for severity classification)

VA raters use the Muscle Injuries DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Specific muscle group affected (DC 5301-5329) 2. Severity level: slight, moderate, moderately severe, or severe 3. Presence of cardinal signs of muscle disability 4. Amount of tissue loss and muscle substance loss 5. Type and velocity of the wounding mechanism (bullet, shrapnel, etc.) 6. Whether there was through-and-through penetration For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Overlooking separately ratable scars from the muscle injury
• ×Not comparing the injured limb to the uninjured limb for muscle loss documentation

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Muscle Injuries DBQ exam: 1. Bring service records documenting the original injury (wound description, treatment) 2. Describe all four cardinal signs: weakness, fatigue-pain, incoordination, and uncertainty of movement 3. Point out any visible tissue loss or atrophy compared to the uninjured side 4. If you have retained fragments or shrapnel, mention their location and any symptoms they cause 5. Document any scars from the injury - they may warrant separate ratings 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.