Hypertension DBQ explained

What this DBQ covers

The hypertension DBQ documents the diagnosis and medical history, including treatment and blood-pressure findings. A single reading gives only one observation at one point in time. Dated records can help the clinician understand the longer history and distinguish established hypertension from an isolated elevated reading. The form also provides space for associated findings and functional effects.

The important sections, explained

Why the history of readings matters

The medical-history section asks about medication, confirmation of the diagnosis and blood-pressure readings over time. It also asks a specific question about the history of diastolic pressure, the lower number in a reading. That question calls for a documented pattern interpreted by the clinician. A single high result, or a number recalled without a date, may not answer it. Bring the record containing the measurements so their timing and context remain visible.

Read the official form: page 2

Medication and current findings

A treated blood-pressure reading and an untreated historical reading describe different moments in your care. Include the medication list and relevant changes so the clinician can read those results in context. Do not stop prescribed medication or try to produce a higher reading for the form. If your records contain home readings, identify the device or method if known and label those entries separately from office measurements. The examiner decides how the history supports the clinical findings.

Read the official form: page 2

How to prepare useful information

Gather a representative history rather than only the highest reading you can find. Include the dates, medication changes and where measurements were taken. If you keep a home log, identify it as a home log and explain how it was collected. Continue following your prescribed treatment; changing medication to influence an examination would make the information less reliable and may be unsafe.

Records to gather

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

• Dated office readings and any home blood-pressure log, clearly labeled by source.
• Current and earlier blood-pressure prescriptions, including documented changes.
• The diagnosis history and records of associated findings the clinician needs to assess.

A detail that is easy to miss

Watch for undated screenshots, readings copied without both numbers, or medication lists that no longer match your prescription. These omissions make the history harder to interpret. If a result was recorded during an acute illness or a different treatment period, preserve that context. Do not independently remove a result because it appears inconsistent; let the clinician assess it.

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 - OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND SCARSPage 3
4. SECTION IV - FUNCTIONAL IMPACTPage 3
5. SECTION V - REMARKSPage 4
6. SECTION VI - EXAMINER'S CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATUREPage 4

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

Will one high blood-pressure reading establish the whole claim?

One reading does not describe the complete medical history or decide the claim. The clinician needs to interpret the diagnosis, treatment and readings together. VA then evaluates the relevant evidence under the applicable rules. Share the complete pattern instead of treating the highest number as the only important fact.

Should I include normal readings while taking medication?

Yes, include a representative record of the period being discussed. Treatment and the resulting readings belong together in the history. Selecting only high values can give an incomplete picture, while normal treated readings do not erase the documented diagnosis or earlier medical history.

What if I do not have readings from before treatment?

Tell the clinician what records are available and when treatment began, if known. Earlier office records may help if you can obtain them. Do not recreate historical measurements from memory or delay necessary care to generate new untreated readings.