Win Mental Health Claims: Track Your Bad Days with a DBQ-Aligned Log

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Filed under:Mental Health & Sleep Claims

VA rates mental health on what you can't do, not diagnoses. Start a daily log using the exact language from mental health DBQs—track occupational impairment, social functioning, and frequency of symptoms like panic attacks or suicidal ideation. Rate each day as mild/moderate/severe using VA's own criteria. After 30 days, this becomes powerful lay evidence that mirrors how C&P examiners evaluate you. Download the mental health DBQ from VA.gov as your template and start documenting tonight.

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VA Claim Helper is an independent, veteran-run resource. We’re not affiliated with the VA and don’t provide legal representation. This information is educational only.

For official claim assistance, please find an accredited representative (VSO, attorney, or claims agent) .

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VA Claim Helper is led by a U.S. Navy submariner (ET2/SS, USS Pittsburgh 1995–2005) translating VA law into plain-English claim strategy so veterans can document service connection, prep for C&P exams, and win ratings without guesswork.

We publish daily VA disability tips, evidence checklists, and field manuals that walk you from Intent to File through appeals. Every guide is battle-tested with the veteran community and refreshed when VA policy shifts so the intel stays mission ready.

Service: U.S. Navy • 1995–2005 • USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720), ET2/SS

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