The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has promulgated 68 new forms, some of which will hopefully speed processing of Vet’s disability pension claims, among other claims. Pension claims include claims for Aid and Attendance and Homebound benefits, of which many of our clients are able to take advantage.
The forms can be completed by private physicians, eliminating the need for a VA clinic examination in certain circumstances. “VA employees will be able to more quickly process disability claims, since disability benefits questionnaires capture important medical information (which are) needed to accurately evaluate Veterans’ claims,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Disability benefits questionnaires are just one of many changes VA is implementing to address the backlog of claims.”
New disability benefits questionnaires (DBQs) are meant to guide physicians’ in their medical findings. Hopefully this will ensure the VA has complete and appropriate medical information needed to make a decision in a reasonable time. These forms are downloadable from the VA website. Additionally, DBQs give veterans and active duty service members the option of visiting a primary care provider in their community instead of completing an evaluation at a VA facility. The streamlined forms use check boxes and standardized language so that the disability rating can be made accurately made.
The reason the forms are so numerous is because there are forms for individual medical conditions a Vet may experience. Some are specific to a sinmost condition while others can be used for several related issues. Click here for a list of the conditions.
Todd W. Bartimole
