Elbow and Forearm Conditions DBQ explained

What this DBQ covers

This questionnaire records elbow and forearm diagnoses, history, movement and functional limitation. It also asks about other impairments, surgery, devices and remaining function. Bending or straightening the elbow and rotating the forearm involve different movements. Pain, restricted movement and other findings should therefore be described clearly rather than combined into a general statement that the arm hurts.

The important sections, explained

Bending and rotating are different movements

The range-of-motion section addresses elbow bending and straightening as well as forearm rotation. Supination and pronation refer to turning the forearm so the palm changes direction. Describe which movement causes difficulty during real tasks, such as using a utensil or turning a handle. The examiner measures the movements separately. A general statement that the arm does not work well may miss a limitation that appears mainly during rotation rather than bending.

Read the official form: page 5

Repeated activity and surgical history

The form records surgery and asks elsewhere about flare-ups and functional effects after repeated use. Explain whether a task becomes harder with repetition and how long it takes to recover. Include operative and rehabilitation records where relevant, with the affected side clearly identified. If pain also comes from the wrist or shoulder, describe those symptoms separately. The clinician needs to distinguish the elbow and forearm findings from other problems affecting use of the same arm.

Read the official form: page 12

How to prepare useful information

Explain tasks that are difficult, such as carrying an object, reaching or turning the palm, using examples that fit your situation. Identify the affected side and any differences during a flare or after repeated use. Include surgery, therapy and support devices where relevant. Clinical measurements belong to the examiner; your role is to describe the history and actual effects accurately.

Records to gather

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

• Imaging, injury and operative records identifying the elbow or forearm condition and side.
• Therapy and treatment records, including prescribed supports.
• Examples of bending, turning, lifting or carrying limitations and how repeated use changes them.

A detail that is easy to miss

Do not describe forearm rotation only as elbow bending. Explain the actual motion that causes difficulty, and identify whether the affected arm is the one you usually use for writing or other tasks. If surgery improved one movement but another remains limited, preserve that difference. Avoid estimating clinical angles or labeling a stiff joint as fused without medical support.

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 1 - DIAGNOSISPage 1
2. SECTION 2 - MEDICAL HISTORYPage 3
3. SECTION 3 - RANGE OF MOTION (ROM) AND FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONPage 5
4. SECTION 4 - MUSCLE ATROPHYPage 10
5. SECTION 5 - ANKYLOSISPage 10
6. SECTION 6 - OTHER IMPAIRMENTSPage 11
7. SECTION 7 - SURGICAL PROCEDURESPage 12
8. SECTION 8 - OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND SCARSPage 12
9. SECTION 9 - ASSISTIVE DEVICESPage 13
10. SECTION 10 - REMAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTION OF THE EXTREMITIESPage 13
11. SECTION 11 - DIAGNOSTIC TESTINGPage 13
12. SECTION 12 - FUNCTIONAL IMPACTPage 14
13. SECTION 13 - REMARKSPage 15
14. SECTION 14 - EXAMINER'S CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATUREPage 15

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

Should I describe forearm rotation separately from bending my elbow?

Yes, if those movements cause different problems for you. Explain the tasks and symptoms rather than estimating degrees of movement. The questionnaire records clinical movement findings and functional limitation, and the clinician needs clear information about the affected motions and the circumstances in which difficulty occurs.

Should I explain which arm I usually use?

Yes, identify your usual dominant hand and how the affected elbow or forearm changes specific tasks. If you have adapted by using the other arm, explain that too. The examiner needs the actual functional history rather than assuming that the less-used side causes no difficulty.

Can I describe limitations after a long task?

Yes. Explain the task, duration, symptom change and recovery rather than only the first movement. The questionnaire addresses repeated use and flare-ups. The clinician assesses that history with the examination and makes any required medical estimate of additional loss.