Narcolepsy

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960C-7 (Narcolepsy 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 Narcolepsy 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. How frequent are sleep attacks? WHY IT MATTERS: Frequency of sleep attacks determines rating level TIPS: Track every sleep attack with date, time, and duration 2. Are there cataplexy episodes? WHY IT MATTERS: Cataplexy adds to severity assessment TIPS: Describe triggers and frequency of muscle weakness episodes 3. How does narcolepsy affect driving and work? WHY IT MATTERS: Functional impact on employment is critical TIPS: Report if you can no longer drive or had to change jobs

Common mistakes

• ×Not tracking sleep attack frequency
• ×Failing to document cataplexy episodes
• ×Not reporting driving restrictions

VA raters use the Narcolepsy DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Frequency of minor seizure-like sleep attacks 2. Frequency of major attacks with cataplexy 3. Impact on ability to drive and work 4. Effectiveness of medication 5. Residual functional impairment For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Minimizing impact on employment

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Narcolepsy DBQ exam: 1. Keep a daily log of sleep attacks for 3+ months 2. Document cataplexy episodes with triggers 3. Bring sleep study results 4. Report all medications and their effectiveness 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.