Independent Medical Opinion or DBQ?

If you have a VA mental health disability rating and believe you are not rated appropriately, which evaluation is right for you? VMHA offers two options for presenting medical evidence to the VA: the Independent Medical Opinion or DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire). 

Which of these documents will give you the best chance of getting an accurate rating from the VA?

What’s included in the DBQ?

Firstly, the DBQ is a VA form that provides information about a veteran’s functioning. It covers socialization, work/school functioning, mental health history, legal history, behavioral functioning, and substance use. At VMHA, we conduct a brief evaluation to complete the DBQ. It summarizes of the veteran’s current functioning in the areas listed above, notes the symptoms the veteran is currently experiencing (VA defined symptoms that correspond with rating levels), and provides a recommended rating.

What’s included in the Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)?

Conversely, an Independent Medical Opinion is a comprehensive evaluation. Generally, IMOs take a more in depth look at the same areas of functioning as a DBQ, with some additional components. It is a diagnostic clinical interview that goes beyond a review of current functioning. A new diagnosis (or more) can be provided since a thorough evaluation of symptoms is an important part of the interview. 

What are some reasons to get an Independent Medical Opinion?

• You believe your rating is inappropriate and need evidence to support this
• Your claim was denied
• You suspect you were misdiagnosed when you were first rated
• You think you should have additional diagnoses
• You believe your diagnosis has changed

If any of the above sounds like you, the IMO will provide answers to your questions. Records like your DD214 and medical records are reviewed and used to support the information in your IMO.

Additionally, you will complete standardized mental health questionnaires. They assess symptoms of depression, anxiety, and response to trauma. This provides further evidence for the diagnoses and narrative in your report. 

Most importantly, the IMO includes a Nexus statement. The Nexus statement establishes a link between your mental health condition and your military service. 

The Nexus is the culmination of the medical evidence your psychologist is providing. It is your official stated opinion from a medical expert explaining the link between your mental health status and your service. Providing this statement to the VA can impact approval of your benefits.

Is the independent medical opinion or DBQ best for you?

If your functioning at home or at work has decreased since your last rating, you’ll need to decide which evaluation you should choose. 

As discussed, the DBQ assessment is a brief evaluation. It documents your functioning and how your current condition is impacting your quality of life. Generally, a diagnostic interview is not completed. An overview of your daily life impact is provided, along with a recommended rating. We tailor the assessment to collect the information the VA needs to provide an accurate rating for your mental health condition. 

On the other hand, the Independent Medical Opinion is a more in depth assessment. The IMO evaluates the impact your mental health condition has on your quality of life, and it always includes a diagnostic interview. This allows for a change of diagnosis or the addition of diagnoses, if appropriate. It also includes a Nexus statement. A Nexus statement strengthens the evidence you are providing to the VA to support your claim. 

In summary, the IMO provides the most comprehensive evidence. It gives you the highest likelihood of a rating increase. Yet for straightforward cases, a rating increase can be achieved with a DBQ. However, if denied your increase with the DBQ, some veterans return to VMHA for the IMO to provide the most thorough set of evidence for their claim.