Thyroid and Parathyroid Conditions DBQ explained

What this DBQ covers

The thyroid and parathyroid questionnaire separates the two gland groups and records their associated findings. It includes history, physical and reflex examinations, testing and any tumor-related information. A previous thyroid diagnosis, the treatment provided and the current remaining effects may describe different stages of the condition. The clinician needs that sequence rather than only the original diagnosis label.

The important sections, explained

Separate the original condition from treatment effects

The history section asks about treatments such as radioactive iodine and surgery, then asks about residual endocrine dysfunction. The current problem may differ from the diagnosis that first led to treatment. For example, the record may describe an earlier thyroid disorder and a later need for replacement medication. Bring both parts of that history. The clinician needs the sequence to explain what is being evaluated now, rather than relying on the original diagnosis alone.

Read the official form: page 2

Thyroid and parathyroid findings have different sections

The form separates thyroid findings from parathyroid findings and includes physical examination, reflex and testing sections. Symptoms such as fatigue or weakness can overlap with other conditions. Describe what you experience and when, but let the clinician decide which findings are attributable to the diagnosed disorder. Dated laboratory reports and specialist notes are more useful than a statement that your levels were abnormal without identifying the test or treatment period.

Read the official form: page 3

How to prepare useful information

Provide records of surgery or other major treatment along with the current medication list and recent relevant laboratory reports. Explain changes in symptoms over time without deciding which hormone abnormality caused each one. If another condition could contribute to fatigue, weakness or other complaints, include that history so the clinician can assess the findings in context.

Records to gather

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

• Endocrine notes, laboratory reports and the current replacement or other medication plan.
• Surgery, pathology or other major treatment records with dates.
• A timeline of ongoing symptoms and specific activities affected after treatment.

A detail that is easy to miss

Check that records identify whether the thyroid or parathyroid glands were involved. Similar names do not make the conditions interchangeable. If treatment resulted in a scar or another lasting problem, mention it alongside the hormone-related history. Do not assume that a normal recent test settles every question about earlier treatment or residual findings.

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 2
3. SECTION 3 - THYROID: FINDINGS, SIGNS, AND SYMPTOMSPage 3
4. SECTION 4 - PARATHYROID: FINDINGS, SIGNS, AND SYMPTOMSPage 4
5. SECTION 5 - PHYSICAL EXAMPage 5
6. SECTION 6 - REFLEX EXAMPage 6
7. SECTION 7 - TUMORS AND NEOPLASMSPage 7
8. SECTION 8 - OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND SCARSPage 8
9. SECTION 9 - DIAGNOSTIC TESTINGPage 8
10. SECTION 10 - FUNCTIONAL IMPACTPage 10
11. SECTION 11 - REMARKSPage 10
12. SECTION 12 - EXAMINER'S CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATUREPage 10

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

Does treatment erase the need to describe continuing symptoms?

No. Treatment history and current findings both matter to an accurate medical picture. Explain what improved and what remains, and provide the records that help the clinician assess those changes. Continuing symptoms still need clinical interpretation; their presence alone does not establish their cause or a particular rating.

Should I bring tests from before and after surgery?

Relevant reports from both periods can clarify how the condition changed. Include dates and the surgical report if available. The clinician decides which findings apply to the current assessment and how the earlier results explain the treatment history.

Can I select symptoms from every section that sounds familiar?

Describe your actual symptoms in ordinary language. The clinician determines which thyroid or parathyroid findings apply and whether another condition may contribute. Recognizing a symptom on the form does not establish its cause or mean that every listed disorder is present.