Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
Did you know that veterans can visit a private health care provider instead of the VA to complete their disability evaluation forms? The VA uses Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) to grant veterans greater control over their disability claims process and there are 70 different DBQ's available for various conditions. Dr. Foster has completed 1000's of Behavioral Heath DBQ's including:
EATING DISORDERS
MENTAL DISORDERS (OTHER THAN PTSD AND EATING DISORDERS)
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
If you choose to have a private evaluation to complete the VA DBQ, you will be responsible for the full payment which includes any necessary travel. Dr. Foster charges $600 per completed DBQ. The evaluation typically involves:
The Veteran Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 became law on August 23, 2017 (Pub L. 115-55). It is also known as the Appeals Modernization Act.
This new law:
3: Appeal to the Board: This option allows you to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You can choose between three options:
EATING DISORDERS
MENTAL DISORDERS (OTHER THAN PTSD AND EATING DISORDERS)
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
If you choose to have a private evaluation to complete the VA DBQ, you will be responsible for the full payment which includes any necessary travel. Dr. Foster charges $600 per completed DBQ. The evaluation typically involves:
- Psychological testing (plan for 2-3 hours)
- A review of your medical records (please submit these records prior to your appointment)
- Clinical interview which lasts about 60-75 minutes
The Veteran Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 became law on August 23, 2017 (Pub L. 115-55). It is also known as the Appeals Modernization Act.
This new law:
- Updates th claims and appeals process
- Includes three review options for disagreements with decisions
- Requires improved notification of VA decisions
- Provides earlier claim resolution
- Higher-level Review: You can request a review by a more senior claims adjudicator. This involves:
- A completely new (de novo) review of the decision but it does not allow for submission of new evidence. The de novo review can overturn the VA's original decision based on:
- A difference of opinion
- A clear and unmistakable error
3: Appeal to the Board: This option allows you to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You can choose between three options:
- Direct review: You have no new evidence and do not want a hearing.
- Evidence submission: You have new evidence, but do not want a hearing.
- Hearing: You have new evidence and want to testify before a Veterans Law Judge