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VA Elbow and Forearm Conditions DBQ

Epicondylitis, elbow arthritis, instability, ankylosis, forearm fractures and total elbow replacement are all documented for VA disability claims on this 15-page questionnaire. The clinician measures flexion, extension, supination and pronation on both arms, then estimates added loss after repetitive use over time and during flare-ups. Those range-of-motion and functional-loss estimates are the core of the form.

Who completes it

The Veteran's treating or examining clinician completes every section, recording the dominant hand, and signs the Section 14 examiner's certification. The Veteran's own description of flare-ups and functional loss is entered by the examiner in Section 2.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
The clinician gives the completed DBQ to the Veteran, who uploads it with the claim on VA.gov or mails it to the VA Evidence Intake Center; a representative can submit it as well.
Who pays
VA will not pay or reimburse the cost of completing this DBQ; any fee is settled between the Veteran and the provider.

Good to know

  • Examiners must address pain on active and passive motion, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing, and test the opposite elbow unless contraindicated, explaining any test that cannot be done.
  • When pain accompanies motion, the form asks for an estimate in degrees of lost motion during flare-ups and after repeated use, even if not directly observed.
  • Arthritis must be confirmed by imaging once; after that VA requires no further imaging even if it has worsened.
  • Forearm injuries that impair finger movement through tendon, muscle or nerve damage also need the appropriate hand, muscle or nerve questionnaire.

Get the official form

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

Elbow and Forearm Conditions 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

Does the VA elbow DBQ cover tennis elbow?

Yes. Lateral epicondylitis is one of the listed diagnoses, along with medial epicondylitis, olecranon bursitis, triceps tendinitis, instability, dislocation, osteoarthritis, total elbow arthroplasty, ankylosis and several types of arthritis. Each is marked right, left or both with an ICD code and date of diagnosis.

What if the Veteran is not seen during a flare-up?

The form acknowledges that examining during a flare-up or right after repeated use is not always feasible. The examiner uses the Veteran's statements, the exam and the records to estimate additional loss in degrees, or gives as clear a description as possible when an estimate cannot be made.

Which forearm fractures and rotation problems are rated on this form?

Section 6 covers flail joint, joint fracture with cubitus varus or valgus deformity, ununited fracture of the radial head, nonunion or malunion of the radius or ulna, and loss or limitation of supination and pronation, including a hand fixed in supination or pronation.