Parkinson's Disease

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960C-8a (Parkinson's Disease 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 Parkinson's Disease 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 severity of tremor? WHY IT MATTERS: Tremor severity affects functional assessment TIPS: Describe which limbs are affected and impact on daily tasks 2. Is there rigidity or bradykinesia? WHY IT MATTERS: Motor symptoms determine overall impairment TIPS: Describe stiffness and slowness of movement 3. Is there postural instability? WHY IT MATTERS: Balance problems indicate advanced disease TIPS: Report falls and near-falls with frequency 4. What impact on activities of daily living? WHY IT MATTERS: ADL impact determines need for special monthly compensation TIPS: Describe difficulty with dressing, eating, hygiene

Common mistakes

• ×Not applying for presumptive service connection if applicable
• ×Failing to document progressive decline
• ×Not applying for special monthly compensation

VA raters use the Parkinson's Disease DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Minimum 30% rating for Parkinson's diagnosis 2. Severity of motor symptoms (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia) 3. Postural instability and fall risk 4. Impact on activities of daily living 5. Need for aid and attendance For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Minimizing daily living difficulties

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Parkinson's Disease DBQ exam: 1. Bring neurologist evaluation reports 2. Document ADL difficulties with specific examples 3. Report all motor and non-motor symptoms 4. Apply for special monthly compensation if applicable 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.