Bones and Other Skeletal Conditions DBQ explained

What this DBQ covers

This questionnaire covers skeletal conditions addressed by its listed sections, including particular skull, spine or chest findings and tumors. It complements rather than automatically replaces the more specific joint and spine forms. The medical diagnosis, anatomical site and type of impairment determine which documentation is appropriate. Imaging and operative records can be especially useful when the findings are not visible externally.

The important sections, explained

Specific skeletal findings

This questionnaire has sections for particular skeletal conditions, including skull loss or fracture findings and certain chest or coccyx conditions. It is not a substitute for every joint-specific questionnaire. Bring the diagnosis and relevant imaging or operative report so the examiner can identify the actual structure involved. The location, extent and treatment of a bone problem may require details that a general statement about having a fracture does not provide.

Read the official form: page 3

Treatment history and function

The testing, assistive-device and functional-impact sections connect the skeletal finding with present activity. A past bone procedure may have healed while some effects remain, or current symptoms may need another explanation. Describe what hurts or is limited and during which tasks. Include device use and relevant follow-up. The clinician determines the anatomical and functional findings; you do not need to estimate the amount of bone removed or select a technical classification yourself.

Read the official form: page 5

How to prepare useful information

Identify the exact diagnosis and location from your records. Explain the effects on movement, ordinary activities and any use of an assistive device. Where there has been surgery or an injury, include the dates and the procedure report. The clinician should determine how to document associated joint, nerve or other findings rather than assume one broad skeletal form covers every consequence.

Records to gather

Start with records you already have. Bring the relevant information to your clinician and explain any gaps or uncertain dates.

• Imaging and specialist notes identifying the skeletal condition and anatomical site.
• Injury, operative or tumor-treatment records when relevant.
• Rehabilitation or device records and descriptions of practical limitations.

A detail that is easy to miss

Check whether the concern is a bone finding covered here or a joint condition with its own form, such as knee or shoulder disability. Keep operative details and later symptoms distinct. If records use a term such as resection, ask what was removed rather than guessing. A visible scar does not reliably identify the extent of the underlying bone procedure.

Find your way around the official form

These section headings come from the linked VA PDF. Each link opens the page where the section begins. Read the form's own instructions for the full questions and any required attachments.

1. SECTION I - DIAGNOSISPage 1
2. SECTION II - Medical HistoryPage 2
3. SECTION III - SKULL, LOSS OF PART OF, BOTH INNER AND OUTER TABLESPage 3
4. SECTION IV - SPINE AND CHESTPage 3
5. SECTION V - TUMORS AND NEOPLASMSPage 3
6. SECTION VI - OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND SCARSPage 4
7. SECTION VII - ASSISTIVE DEVICESPage 5
8. SECTION VIII - REMAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTION OF THE EXTREMITIESPage 5
9. SECTION IX - DIAGNOSTIC TESTINGPage 5
10. SECTION X - FUNCTIONAL IMPACTPage 6
11. SECTION XI - REMARKSPage 7
12. SECTION XII - EXAMINER'S CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATUREPage 7

Who completes the clinical sections?

The healthcare provider completes the clinical assessment, identifies the records reviewed, and signs the questionnaire. You can gather records and describe symptoms and daily limitations. Measurements, diagnoses, and clinical conclusions belong to the examiner.

Check the official form's instructions with your provider before the appointment, including any examination or testing requirements. VA does not pay or reimburse the costs of having a private DBQ completed or submitted.

A completed DBQ can help document the medical condition. Whether it also answers a particular service-connection question depends on its content and the other evidence. VA may verify the form or request another examination.

Common questions

Can this replace every joint-specific DBQ?

Not automatically. VA provides separate questionnaires for many joints and for the cervical and thoracolumbar spine. The evaluating clinician should match the diagnosis and findings to the appropriate form or forms. A broad reference to a bone condition does not establish which examination is needed.

Why bring an operation report instead of only a scar photograph?

The operation report can identify the bone, procedure and extent of treatment. A photograph mainly shows the surface appearance and may not reveal the underlying anatomy. Both can have a role when relevant, but one should not be treated as a substitute for the information supplied by the other.

Are older X-rays useful?

Relevant older imaging may explain an injury or operation, especially when paired with follow-up reports. Keep the dates and report text available. The clinician decides what the earlier studies show and whether they describe the current condition or only the historical event.