Scars/Disfigurement

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960F-1 (Scars/Disfigurement 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 Scars/Disfigurement 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 are the exact measurements of each scar (length, width, depth)? WHY IT MATTERS: Scar dimensions determine specific rating criteria thresholds TIPS: Scars 6+ inches (15 cm) long or 1+ inch (2.5 cm) wide qualify for higher ratings; Measure at the widest and longest points 2. Are any scars painful on examination? WHY IT MATTERS: Painful scars qualify for a separate 10% rating per DC 7804 TIPS: Report pain even if it is intermittent; Describe what triggers the pain (touch, clothing, weather) 3. Are any scars unstable (frequent loss of covering of skin)? WHY IT MATTERS: Unstable scars qualify for a separate 10% rating per DC 7804 TIPS: Document any episodes of the scar breaking open or losing skin covering; Photograph the scar during episodes of instability 4. For head/face/neck scars: are there disfiguring characteristics? WHY IT MATTERS: Disfigurement is rated under DC 7800 with specific characteristics that increase the rating TIPS: Characteristics include visible tissue loss, distortion of features, and altered skin color; Each characteristic present increases the rating level 5. Do any scars limit the function of the affected body part? WHY IT MATTERS: Scars that limit motion or function are rated under the limitation they cause TIPS: Describe if a scar restricts movement of a joint or limb; This may provide a higher rating than the scar rating alone

Common mistakes

• ×Not requesting separate ratings for each qualifying scar
• ×Forgetting to mention pain or instability of scars
• ×Not identifying all disfiguring characteristics for facial scars

VA raters use the Scars/Disfigurement DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Scar location (head/face/neck vs. other areas) 2. Number of disfiguring characteristics for facial scars (DC 7800) 3. Total area of deep nonlinear scars (DC 7801) 4. Total area of superficial nonlinear scars (DC 7802) 5. Number of painful or unstable scars (DC 7804) 6. Whether scar limits function of affected body part (DC 7805) For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Failing to connect scar limitation to reduced function
• ×Not photographing scars during episodes of instability

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Scars/Disfigurement DBQ exam: 1. Photograph all scars with a ruler for scale before the exam 2. Document episodes of scar pain with dates and triggers 3. If scars break open, photograph them during those episodes 4. Note any functional limitations caused by scars (restricted motion) 5. For facial scars, review the 8 disfiguring characteristics in DC 7800 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.