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VA Central Nervous System & Neuromuscular Diseases DBQ

Neurologic conditions that have no dedicated public DBQ, such as stroke, myasthenia gravis, spinal cord injury, essential tremor, meningitis or toxic exposures, are documented on this 13-page VA questionnaire. Clinicians meet it when a Veteran claims one of these disorders for disability compensation. Its findings on strength, reflexes, swallowing, bowel, bladder and sexual function, assistive devices and remaining limb function feed VA's rating decision.

Who completes it

The Veteran's treating or examining clinician completes all thirteen sections and signs the Section XIV examiner's certification. The Veteran supplies history but completes no part of the form.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
The signed questionnaire goes to the Veteran, who uploads it with the disability claim on VA.gov or mails it to the VA Evidence Intake Center; a representative may file it instead.
Who pays
VA will not pay or reimburse the cost of completing this DBQ; whether the provider charges the Veteran is between them.

Good to know

  • The title excludes TBI, ALS, Parkinson's, MS, headaches, TMJ, epilepsy, narcolepsy, peripheral neuropathy, sleep apnea, cranial nerve disorders, fibromyalgia and CFS, which have their own DBQs or are not public.
  • Section I groups diagnoses into CNS infections, vascular disease, hydrocephalus, brain and spinal cord conditions, brain stem, movement and neuromuscular disorders, and intoxications such as heavy metals or nerve agents.
  • Swallowing findings in item 3B must be documented by barium swallow, CT or EGD, with the study date noted in Remarks.
  • Depression, cognitive impairment or dementia due to the CNS condition triggers the separate Mental Disorders DBQ, and scars require the dermatological questionnaire.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases (Except Traumatic Brain Injury, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Headaches, TMJ Conditions, Epilepsy, Narcolepsy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Sleep Apnea, Cranial Nerve Disorders, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) Disability Benefits Questionnaire

Official pagePDF

How this list is checked

A form is listed only after its name and number were confirmed on the issuing agency’s or insurer’s own website, or in the form itself. Each entry links to that source. The list was last checked in October 2026. Forms and their requirements change without notice, so check the official page for the current version before you complete one.

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Frequently asked questions

Which conditions go on the VA Central Nervous System DBQ?

It covers CNS and neuromuscular diseases not handled by a more specific DBQ: CNS infections, stroke, TIA and hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, brain and spinal cord tumors, syringomyelia and spinal cord injury, bulbar palsy, dystonia, essential tremor, tardive dyskinesia, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophies and intoxications from solvents, pesticides, herbicides or heavy metals.

Do pulmonary function tests have to be repeated for this DBQ?

Not if PFT results already in the record reflect the Veteran's current respiratory function. The form also notes that DLCO and bronchodilator testing are not indicated for a restrictive respiratory disability caused by muscle weakness from a CNS condition. Spirometry values go in Section XI.

What does the remaining effective function question mean?

Section X asks whether a CNS condition has left an arm or leg with no more function than an amputation with a prosthesis would provide, for example grasping or propulsion. It is not asking whether the Veteran should have an amputation; the examiner checks each affected extremity and describes the lost function.