What this DBQ covers
The scars questionnaire separates scars on the trunk and limbs from scars or disfigurement of the head, face and neck. Those sections collect different findings, including location, measurements and relevant characteristics. Pain, skin breakdown and limitations caused by a scar are separate observations. A surgical scar can therefore require a description beyond identifying the surgery that caused it.
The important sections, explained
Pain, skin breakdown and measurements
The trunk and limb sections ask about individual scars, including pain, instability and measurements. In this context, an unstable scar involves repeated loss of the skin covering over it. That is a different observation from tenderness or a raised appearance. Identify each scar clearly when there are several. Tell the examiner what you experience, and let the examiner record the measurements, tissue findings and clinical descriptions rather than trying to assign them from a photograph.
Read the official form: page 2
Head, face and neck findings
Scars or disfigurement of the head, face or neck have their own detailed section. Location and visible changes are recorded alongside the relevant examination findings. Other parts of the form address limitations and additional effects. If a scar pulls during movement, explain which movement and where you feel the restriction. If pain comes from a deeper joint or nerve problem as well, describe those symptoms separately so the clinician can assess their relationship.
How to prepare useful information
Tell the clinician which scar is painful, what contact or movement causes difficulty, and whether the skin repeatedly breaks down. Point out the exact location if there are several scars. Measurements and clinical descriptions belong to the examination, while treatment records and dated photographs may help explain changes over time. A photograph alone may not show tenderness or restriction with movement.
Fictional example
A veteran has two surgical scars on the same leg. They explain that one becomes painful when clothing rubs it, while the other has no symptoms they notice. They point to each location and provide dated treatment notes for the painful area. This helps keep the scars distinguishable and avoids turning one symptomatic scar into an unsupported statement that every scar is painful.
Records to gather
Start with records you already have. Bring the relevant information to your clinician and explain any gaps or uncertain dates.
- Procedure or injury records identifying the origin and location of each scar.
- Treatment notes for pain, skin breakdown or other scar-related problems.
- Dated photographs where relevant and descriptions of actual movement or daily-task limitations.
A detail that is easy to miss
A photograph can show location or a visible change but may not show tenderness, skin breakdown over time or restricted movement. Keep photographs dated and identify the body area. Mention if a scar has healed since the photograph. Do not describe a temporary wound condition from years ago as though it remains present unless that is accurate.
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.
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 visible scar enough to explain its effects?
Not always. Appearance, pain, skin stability and functional effects are different parts of the picture. Describe problems that may not be visible in a photograph, and allow the clinician to measure and examine the scar. The presence of a scar alone does not determine the evaluation.
Does the scar have to be large to be worth describing?
Describe the actual scar and any effects you experience, regardless of whether you think it looks impressive. The form asks about several findings beyond size. The clinician records those findings, and the applicable rating rules determine their significance for a claim.
Should I describe a scar that is usually covered by clothing?
Yes, if it is part of the condition being evaluated. Tell the examiner where it is and whether it causes symptoms or limitations. Visibility in ordinary clothing does not replace the form's questions about location, measurements, pain and other findings.
Official source and editorial approach
This is Claim Raven's plain-language guide, separate from the official questionnaire. The explanation and checklist were prepared from the linked form. They help you understand and organize information; they are not an assessment of your individual claim.
Scars: official VA PDF
Printed revision: 2025-12-03 ~v25_2
Source checked: September 9, 2026
Source verification details
SHA-256 of the PDF checked for this guide:9876a337bd4e1a30b659cc12cc61e5ed4ecee7714ff8d6aa08753e50fe917dd3