Successful Steps to Submitting your VA Claim

  1. Print the VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
    for each condition claimed and answer them truthfully. Cite and reference your medical records as evidence for each statement/answer in the DBQ. Make sure all diagnoses and symptoms are listed.
  2. Write a Narrative Summary
    separately for each condition claimed    , explaining when and how it started, and how it affects your daily life. Mention all symptoms. Use the DBQ questions and your answers as an outline. After each paragraph, cite references to your medical records, lay statements, and buddy statements.
    Example:
    On ____ date I injured xxx during ____ event. I felt ___ when it happened and went to ___ medical/DR to seek treatment. Since this injury I have had ____ problems that prevent me from ____ and ____. This condition affects my ability ____ in my normal day at work. I continue to have ____ symptoms from this injury and have missed ____ days from work on light duty or bedrest. I have completed ____ diagnostic imagery and ____ treatments and was medically diagnosed for ____ on ____ date. I have continued to be treated for ____ diagnosis since the injury throughout active service.
    Ref: ____ date Service Medical Record Treatment Notes for ____ injury.
    Ref: ____ date Service Medical Record diagnostic imagery report
    Ref: ____ date Service Medical Record diagnosis
    Ref: ____ date Continued treatment for XXXX injury
  3. Separate your medical records
    and arrange them chronologically for each condition. Keep both digital and printed copies.
  4. Create a digital cover sheet and timeline
    for each condition, listing the injury, treatment, and exams from the beginning of your military service to now. Attach the treatment records in chronological order.
  5. Print and combine
    the cover sheet, narrative summary, timeline, and medical records into one complete PDF file. Repeat for every condition claimed.
  6. Submit the digital file
    as evidence for each condition to the VA via Quick Submit or when filing on VA.gov.
  7. Bring printed copies
    of all combined documents and DBQs to the C&P Examiner evaluating your condition.

Completing these steps helps you:

  1. Have a record of what you provided to the doctor, C&P examiner, and the VA. It also gives you something to reference during the exam.
  2. Provide the doctor or examiner with a prefilled reference sheet including your DBQ and relevant treatment records to support their own DBQ.
  3. Save the doctor time and ensure important details are not missed. This is especially critical because contract C&P examiners may not have access to your full medical file.