Kidney Conditions DBQ explained

What this DBQ covers

The kidney questionnaire covers renal dysfunction, stones, infection, removal, transplantation and other relevant findings. Renal means related to the kidneys. These sections address different medical circumstances, so a history of a kidney stone is not the same as documented loss of kidney function. Laboratory results and the clinical timeline help establish the correct picture.

The important sections, explained

Kidney function and the time covered by testing

Renal means related to the kidneys. The renal-dysfunction section asks about kidney function, dialysis and particular structural or tubular findings. Some questions refer to findings over a defined duration. A single laboratory result may not describe that full period. Bring the sequence of relevant tests with dates and the nephrology assessment if available. Let the clinician interpret the results rather than assigning yourself a kidney-disease stage from one number.

Read the official form: page 3

Stones, infection and kidney procedures

Kidney or ureter stones, recurrent infection, removal and transplant history have separate sections. A stone episode does not automatically establish chronic loss of kidney function, and removal is not the same event as transplant evaluation. Identify each diagnosis and procedure clearly. For acute care, include the reason for the visit, treatment and follow-up. That helps the examiner connect current symptoms with documented events and avoid counting unrelated urinary problems as kidney complications.

Read the official form: page 4

How to prepare useful information

Provide dated test results together with the treating clinician's notes. Include procedures, recurrent infections, dialysis or transplant records if they apply to your history. Describe what symptoms and treatment requirements affect daily activities, but do not calculate a kidney-function category yourself. If hypertension or another condition is also present, the clinician needs to assess any relationship rather than assume it.

Records to gather

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

• Dated kidney-function tests and the specialist's interpretation of the results.
• Records of stone treatment, infections, dialysis, removal or transplantation when relevant.
• The current treatment plan and concrete examples of symptoms or treatment affecting daily tasks.

A detail that is easy to miss

Check whether reports identify the kidney, ureter, bladder or urethra. Those locations can lead to different sections or questionnaires. Preserve units and dates on laboratory reports. If there was a temporary change during an admission, include follow-up rather than presenting that result as the complete current picture. Mention dialysis or transplant history using the documented stage and schedule.

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 3
3. SECTION III - RENAL DYSFUNCTIONPage 3
4. SECTION IV - UROLITHIASISPage 4
5. SECTION V - URINARY TRACT/ KIDNEY INFECTIONPage 5
6. SECTION VI - KIDNEY REMOVAL OR TRANSPLANT (INCLUDING ELIGIBILITY)Page 6
7. SECTION VII - TUMORS AND NEOPLASMSPage 6
8. SECTION VIII- OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND SCARSPage 7
9. SECTION IX - DIAGNOSTIC TESTINGPage 8
10. SECTION X - FUNCTIONAL IMPACTPage 9
11. SECTION XI - REMARKSPage 9
12. SECTION XII - EXAMINER'S CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATUREPage 9

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

Is a kidney stone the same as reduced kidney function?

No. The questionnaire has separate sections for stones and renal dysfunction because they describe different findings. A person may have one or both, but that depends on the medical evidence. Bring the relevant tests and treatment history so the clinician can complete the appropriate sections.

Are kidney stones and bladder stones the same form question?

No. This kidney form includes kidney and ureter stones. The urinary-tract questionnaire addresses bladder and urethral conditions. Bring the report identifying the location so the provider can document the appropriate findings instead of relying on the general word stone.

Should I bring a series of kidney-function tests?

Yes, when available and relevant. A dated series helps the clinician understand persistence and change, particularly where the form asks about a time period. Include the specialist interpretation as well; the DBQ is not completed by selecting the lowest result alone.