Top Mistakes Veterans Make on DBQs—And How to Avoid Them

For many veterans, the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is one of the most important parts of their VA disability claim. This document allows a medical provider to detail the severity of a service-related condition, which directly impacts the VA’s rating decision—and ultimately, the benefits a veteran receives.

However, small errors, missing details, or incomplete information on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire can cause delays, reduced ratings, or even outright denials. At Mindful Vet Assessments, we’ve seen how these avoidable mistakes can affect claims. As a solo practice dedicated to serving veterans with compassionate, expert care, we specialize in providing accurate, thorough, and personalized DBQs that truly reflect a veteran’s health condition.

Here are the top mistakes veterans make on DBQs—and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Not Getting the DBQ Completed by a Qualified Professional

The VA places significant weight on the credentials of the person completing your DBQ. If the provider is not experienced in VA claims or doesn’t understand the specific requirements for documenting service-related conditions, the form may not be completed in a way that meets VA standards.

Why this matters: A DBQ filled out incorrectly—or by someone without the right qualifications—can lead the VA to question its validity.

How to avoid it: Choose a medical professional who understands VA disability claims and has experience completing DBQs. At Mindful Vet Assessments, every DBQ is completed by an experienced evaluator specializing in service-related mental health conditions, ensuring accuracy and credibility.

Mistake #2: Leaving Sections Blank or Incomplete

The DBQ is designed to provide the VA with a full picture of your condition. Leaving parts of the form blank, even if you think they don’t apply, can create gaps in your medical evidence.

Why this matters: Missing details can cause delays or lead to an inaccurate disability rating because the VA doesn’t have enough information to fully assess your condition.

How to avoid it: Work with a provider who will go through every section carefully. At Mindful Vet Assessments, we ensure no part of the DBQ is left incomplete. Even if a section doesn’t apply, it’s clearly marked with “N/A” so the VA knows it was reviewed.

Mistake #3: Providing Vague or Generalized Information

Phrases like “has anxiety” or “experiences depression” are too general to help the VA make an informed decision. The DBQ needs specific, measurable details about symptoms, frequency, and severity.

Why this matters: Without detailed evidence, the VA may underestimate the impact your condition has on your daily life and ability to work.

How to avoid it: Include specific examples in your evaluation. For instance, instead of “experiences panic attacks,” note “experiences panic attacks 2–3 times per week, causing inability to leave home during episodes.” Mindful Vet Assessments uses evidence-based assessments to document exact symptom patterns.

Mistake #4: Not Linking the Condition to Military Service

A DBQ on its own is not enough to prove service connection unless it clearly shows that the condition is related to military service. This is where many veterans fall short.

Why this matters: If the VA cannot see a clear connection between your condition and your time in service, they can deny your claim, even if your current symptoms are severe.

How to avoid it: Request a Nexus letter along with your DBQ. At Mindful Vet Assessments, we provide Nexus letters that explain, in clear medical terms, how your condition is “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by your service.

Mistake #5: Using Outdated or Inaccurate Medical Information

Some veterans submit DBQs based on old medical evaluations or incomplete records. The VA wants to know your current level of functioning, not just your history.

Why this matters: If your condition has worsened but the DBQ doesn’t reflect that, your disability rating may be too low.

How to avoid it: Ensure your DBQ reflects your most recent symptoms and medical findings. Mindful Vet Assessments conducts comprehensive, up-to-date evaluations before completing the DBQ, ensuring the VA sees the most accurate picture of your condition.

Mistake #6: Underreporting Symptoms

Many veterans downplay their symptoms out of habit, pride, or simply because they’ve learned to cope. While admirable, this can hurt your claim.

Why this matters: If the VA thinks your condition is less severe than it is, your benefits will be reduced.

How to avoid it: Be honest and detailed about how your condition affects you on your worst days, not just your best. At Mindful Vet Assessments, we create a comfortable, respectful environment where DBQ veterans can share openly without judgment..

Mistake #7: Failing to Include Impact on Daily Life

The VA considers not only the medical diagnosis but also how it affects your work, relationships, and daily functioning.

Why this matters: Without these details, the VA may not fully understand the real-life consequences of your condition.

How to avoid it: Provide specific examples—difficulty maintaining employment, avoiding social situations, inability to manage daily tasks—so the VA can accurately determine your rating. Our evaluations always include functional impact details to strengthen your case.

The Mindful Vet Assessments Difference

At Mindful Vet Assessments, we know that a DBQ is more than a form—it’s a lifeline to the benefits you’ve earned through service. Our process ensures your DBQ is:

• Accurate and complete – No missing sections, no vague answers.
• Service-connected – Clear medical evidence linking your condition to your time in the military.
• Up to date – Reflecting your current symptoms and level of functioning.
• Personalized – Tailored to your unique experiences and needs.

We follow a simple four-step process:

1. Initial Consultation – Review your history, service details, and current symptoms.
2. Comprehensive Evaluation – Use evidence-based assessments to gather detailed information.
3. Report Preparation – Complete the DBQ with precision, backed by a full medical evaluation.
4. Submission Support – Guide you through the final steps of submitting your documentation to the VA.

Final Thoughts

A well-completed DBQ can make the difference between a denied claim and receiving the full VA disability benefits you deserve. Unfortunately, common mistakes—like leaving sections blank, failing to link conditions to service, or underreporting symptoms—can weaken your case.

By working with a knowledgeable, veteran-focused professional like Mindful Vet Assessments, you can avoid these pitfalls. Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based evaluations that give the VA a clear, complete, and accurate picture of your condition—so you get the recognition and benefits you’ve earned.