Nutritional Deficiencies

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960H-1 (Nutritional Deficiencies 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 Nutritional Deficiencies 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 specific nutritional deficiency is present? WHY IT MATTERS: Specific deficiency determines applicable rating criteria TIPS: Bring lab results confirming the deficiency 2. What symptoms result from the deficiency? WHY IT MATTERS: Residual symptoms are rated under affected body system TIPS: Describe neurological, skin, and GI symptoms 3. Is treatment correcting the deficiency? WHY IT MATTERS: Ongoing treatment need affects rating TIPS: Document all supplements and dietary treatments

Common mistakes

• ×Not bringing lab results
• ×Failing to document all residual symptoms
• ×Not linking deficiency to service conditions

VA raters use the Nutritional Deficiencies DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Specific deficiency identified 2. Residual symptoms and organ damage 3. Need for ongoing treatment 4. Functional limitations from residuals For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Assuming corrected deficiency means no rating

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Nutritional Deficiencies DBQ exam: 1. Bring lab results showing deficiency levels 2. Document all symptoms related to the deficiency 3. Link to service conditions (POW, restricted diet, exposures) 4. Describe functional impact of residual symptoms 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.