Spina Bifida

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960Q-3 (Spina Bifida 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 Spina Bifida 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 level of the spinal defect? WHY IT MATTERS: Level of lesion determines which nerves are affected TIPS: Bring MRI or surgical reports showing lesion level 2. What neurological deficits are present? WHY IT MATTERS: Each neurological deficit rated under specific nerve code TIPS: Report motor and sensory deficits in all affected areas 3. Is there bladder or bowel dysfunction? WHY IT MATTERS: Bladder/bowel dysfunction rated separately and can add significant percentage TIPS: Report incontinence, catheterization needs, and frequency 4. What are the mobility limitations? WHY IT MATTERS: Mobility impairment affects overall rating and SMC eligibility TIPS: Describe use of wheelchair, braces, or other devices

Common mistakes

• ×Not claiming each neurological deficit separately
• ×Failing to claim bowel and bladder dysfunction separately
• ×Not reporting all mobility limitations

VA raters use the Spina Bifida DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Level of spinal defect 2. Neurological deficits (rated by nerve involvement) 3. Bladder dysfunction (rated separately) 4. Bowel dysfunction (rated separately) 5. Mobility limitations and assistive device needs For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Missing special monthly compensation eligibility

Authority

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

Preparation checklist for the Spina Bifida DBQ exam: 1. Bring MRI or surgical reports 2. Document all neurological deficits by nerve/area 3. Report bladder and bowel function separately 4. Describe all assistive devices used 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.