VA Warns Veterans About Disability Benefits Fraud
The Department of Veterans Affairs reports “increasing scams” involving VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) used to process veteran claims.
The VA began an awareness campaign in 2024 to help applicants understand how to “successfully” complete and submit DBQ forms and avoid becoming the victims of disability benefits fraud.
What is a DBQ?
A DBQ is a medical examination form the Department of Veterans Affairs uses to gather medical evidence in the disability benefits claims process. Third-party, for-profit entities claim to help veterans complete these forms, but that assistance may come at a high price.
The VA official site notes, “DBQs allow Veterans to submit medical evidence from their healthcare provider to support their claims for disability benefits.” But some third parties offering to help vets complete these forms try to promise a specific outcome or claim a “special relationship” with either the VA or healthcare providers or both.
The VA has plenty of approved representatives and veteran service organizations, but some third parties who are not VA-approved lie in wait for unsuspecting veterans and family members.
DBQs offer veterans a “streamlined” way to get medical evidence from their healthcare providers to the VA to support their claims. The Department of Veterans Affairs reminds readers that vets “have the right to a free disability examination” performed at a VA facility “if deemed necessary” for a disability claim.
What To Know About VA Claims Exams
Do you need to pay for a VA disability examination? No you do not, you have the right to a free exam as mentioned above. The VA awareness campaign includes warnings to veterans about any non-VA entity offering “pay-to-play” DBQ completion services.
What The VA Wants You to Know About DBQ Fraud
If you are being asked to pay for DBQ completion services the VA advises you to be “wary of any promises of special relationships with medical professionals or guarantees of receiving benefits.” Avoid any third party making such claims, and never pay a third party claiming to have a similar “special relationship” with the VA.
It pays to shop around for these services, compare prices and options, etc. But it’s crucial to contact the VA directly for help first if you need it, potentially saving money in the process.
According to VA.gov, for-profit DBQ companies often charge high service fees.
The VA official site says, “VHA and VA’s Contract Examination vendors reduce claims processing time by increasing access to examinations. A VA Claims Processor determines whether a compensation & pension (C&P) exam is needed.” Do you need a third party to help you get an examination? Try working with the VA first.
When claims exams are needed, a VA Claims Processor will identify when exams are to be done by a VHA professional or a VA contract examiner. These options are meant to speed up claims “by expanding access to examinations.” No third party has control over this process, and a for-pay DBQ completion service won’t be able to change its nature.
What To Know About Completing a DBQ
The VA official site notes, “In most instances, you’re entitled to a free disability examination by us.” Sometimes, “we may determine that an additional disability examination is required to complete the claim.”
Completing the DBQ is the beginning of that process.
Furthermore:
- The VA encourages veterans to submit medical evidence for VA claims “from veterans’ private healthcare providers due to their familiarity with the veterans’ medical histories.”
- VHA and VA Contract Examiners “are trained to perform C&P disability examinations at no cost to veterans,” according to VA.gov.
- VA Claims Processors determine the need for exams and who will conduct them. A third party is not responsible for this activity.
- A VA rep will contact you with appointment details.
- Call the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 for assistance with your appointment or other issues.
- VA does not pay for expenses “related to the completion or submission of DBQs” by your healthcare provider.
- After you have submitted a DBQ, you may be required to undergo additional disability examinations.
If you need help with this process, look for an accredited Veterans Service Organization, an attorney, or an agent who can assist veterans with filing claims. VA.gov notes, “For support, veterans can visit the VA’s accredited representatives page.”
If you suspect you have been the victim of DBQ fraud, contact the VA Office of Inspector General website or send a complaint to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
