Skin Diseases (Other than Scars)

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960F-2 (Skin Diseases (Other than Scars) 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 Skin Diseases (Other than Scars) 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 percentage of total body surface area is affected? WHY IT MATTERS: Body surface area affected is a primary rating criterion TIPS: Less than 5% = 0%, 5-20% = 10%, 20-40% = 30%, 40%+ = 60%; Include ALL affected areas, not just currently visible ones 2. What percentage of exposed body areas (face, neck, hands) is affected? WHY IT MATTERS: Exposed area percentage can qualify for a higher rating than total body area TIPS: Exposed areas include head, face, neck, and hands; Schedule the exam during a flare if possible 3. Has systemic therapy (corticosteroids or immunosuppressives) been required? WHY IT MATTERS: Systemic therapy for 6+ weeks in a 12-month period supports a 30% rating TIPS: Oral or injected steroids count as systemic therapy; Topical steroids alone do NOT count as systemic therapy; Track total weeks of systemic therapy in the past year 4. How frequently do flare-ups occur and how long do they last? WHY IT MATTERS: Flare-up frequency and duration document the chronic nature of the condition TIPS: Keep a flare-up diary with dates and photographs; Note triggers and duration of each episode

Common mistakes

• ×Scheduling the exam during a period of remission instead of a flare
• ×Not distinguishing between topical and systemic therapy
• ×Underestimating the total body surface area affected

VA raters use the Skin Diseases (Other than Scars) DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Percentage of total body surface area affected 2. Percentage of exposed body areas affected 3. Whether systemic therapy (corticosteroids/immunosuppressives) is required 4. Duration of systemic therapy in the past 12 months 5. Whether the condition is constant or intermittent with flares For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Not photographing skin during flare-ups for documentation
• ×Forgetting to mention all affected body areas

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Skin Diseases (Other than Scars) DBQ exam: 1. Try to schedule the exam during a flare-up if possible 2. Photograph affected areas during flares with dates 3. Keep a log of systemic therapy (oral/injected steroids) with total weeks per year 4. Know the difference between topical and systemic treatments 5. Map out all affected body areas, including those not currently flaring 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.