Pancreas Conditions

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960G-6 (Pancreas Conditions 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 Pancreas Conditions 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 frequently do you experience episodes of abdominal pain? WHY IT MATTERS: Frequency of pain episodes (at least monthly or more) determines rating level TIPS: Track pain episodes in a diary with dates and severity; Note if episodes require ER visits or hospitalization 2. Do you require enzyme replacement therapy? WHY IT MATTERS: Need for enzyme replacement indicates pancreatic insufficiency and supports higher ratings TIPS: Bring prescription records for pancreatic enzyme supplements; Note dosages and frequency of enzyme use 3. Have you experienced weight loss due to your pancreas condition? WHY IT MATTERS: Malabsorption and weight loss are criteria for higher rating levels TIPS: Document weight over time with specific dates; Bring lab results showing nutritional deficiencies 4. Do you have nutritional deficiency or steatorrhea? WHY IT MATTERS: Steatorrhea (fatty stools) and nutritional deficiency indicate malabsorption from pancreatic insufficiency TIPS: Describe stool changes including oily or floating stools; Bring lab results for fat-soluble vitamins and fecal fat tests

Common mistakes

• ×Not documenting pain episode frequency with specifics
• ×Failing to mention enzyme replacement therapy
• ×Not tracking weight changes and nutritional status

VA raters use the Pancreas Conditions DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Frequency of abdominal pain episodes 2. Need for enzyme replacement or continuous medication 3. Presence of steatorrhea and malabsorption 4. Weight loss and nutritional deficiency 5. Whether symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Overlooking steatorrhea as a symptom to report
• ×Not bringing imaging showing pancreatic changes

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Pancreas Conditions DBQ exam: 1. Keep a pain diary documenting episode frequency, severity, and triggers 2. Bring all lab results including lipase, amylase, and nutritional panels 3. Document weight changes with dates and amounts 4. Bring imaging results (CT, MRI, MRCP) showing pancreatic condition 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.