Full review of the veteran’s VBMS (Veterans Benefits Management System), service treatment records (STRs), private medical records, and the specific DBQ(s) (Disability Benefits Questionnaire(s) ordered. Identification of all rateable elements (range of motion, functional loss, pain on motion, flare ups, DeLuca criteria, neurological deficits, scars, etc.).

In-person interview that includes detailed military, occupational, and recreational history. Onset, progression, frequency, severity, and functional impact of each claimed condition. Lay statements and buddy statements integrated into the medical opinion when applicable.

Conduct targeted, evidence-based physical assessments limited exclusively to the DBQ-ordered condition(s). No broad “head-to-toe” exams—every test, measurement, and maneuver is tied directly to VA rating criteria (38 CFR § 4.40–4.71a, M21-1, etc.).

Referrals for various diagnostic testing such as imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT), lab studies (A1c, TSH, CBC, etc.), etc will be ordered if required by the DBQ.

Flagship Health & Wellness has expanded its provider network to include doctoral-level licensed clinical psychologists who specialize in veteran mental health evaluations. Whether for a VA DBQ, an independent psychological assessment, or a nexus opinion connecting a mental health condition to military service, our psychologists bring clinical precision and veteran-centered care to every evaluation. Appointments available via telehealth.

Our veteran-owned clinic completes 100% of DBQs electronically. DBQ is the official VA template (VA Form series 21-0960) that replaces the old narrative C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam report. It is a structured, checkbox + narrative hybrid designed to capture every ratable element under 38 CFR Part 4 (VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities).

The most critical part of every VA DBQ. It is a legally binding, evidence-based statement written by a VA-credentialed, board-certified clinician that directly determines whether a veteran receives service-connected disability compensation.

Not every veteran gets it right the first time — and the VA doesn't always get it right either. If your claim was denied, rated lower than expected, or lacks a documented medical nexus to your service, an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) or nexus letter from a board-certified clinician can be the difference between approval and denial. Our VA-credentialed providers conduct thorough record reviews and clinical evaluations to produce evidence-based medical opinions that meet VA adjudication standards. We offer IMOs for general medicine and mental health conditions including PTSD, MST, depression, anxiety, and TBI sequelae.

100% peer review by second VA-credentialed examiner and compliance scan. Every DBQ undergoes a multi-layer, VA-compliant QA process before upload to CAPRI (Compensation and Pension Record Interchange)/VBMS. This ensures 100% acceptance by VA raters and zero supplemental requests.