Review Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960P-3 (Review Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 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 Review Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 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. Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-5 criteria? WHY IT MATTERS: Confirms your diagnosis meets VA requirements TIPS: Ensure your diagnosis is properly documented 2. Which criteria are met for PTSD diagnosis? WHY IT MATTERS: Documents specific traumatic events and symptoms TIPS: Be specific about your stressor events; Describe all symptom categories 3. What level of occupational and social impairment is present? WHY IT MATTERS: This directly determines your rating percentage TIPS: Describe your WORST functioning, not your best days 4. What symptoms are present? WHY IT MATTERS: Each symptom affects your rating level TIPS: Report ALL symptoms even if embarrassing; Include frequency and severity; Mention suicidal ideation if present

Common mistakes

• ×Minimizing symptoms to appear "strong"
• ×Describing average days instead of worst days
• ×Not mentioning suicidal thoughts (past or present)

VA raters use the Review Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Level of occupational and social impairment 2. Frequency and severity of symptoms 3. Impact on ability to work 4. Impact on relationships and social functioning 5. Whether symptoms require continuous medication For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Forgetting to mention nightmares and sleep problems
• ×Not bringing treatment records

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Review Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) DBQ exam: 1. Review your stressor statement before the exam 2. List all symptoms with frequency 3. Bring treatment records and medication list 4. Describe your worst days in detail 5. Have examples ready of how PTSD affects work/relationships 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.