C&P Exam for Multiple sclerosis (DC 8018)

Read the C&P exam preparation guideWhat happens at the exam, what 38 CFR Part 4 requires the examiner to record, and what to bring.
Diagnostic code: 8018Condition: Multiple sclerosisRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124aDBQ: DBQ NEURO Multiple Sclerosis

Which form the examiner uses

For multiple sclerosis (DC 8018), the C&P examiner completes the following Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ):

DBQs are Department of Veterans Affairs Form 21-0960 series documents. Public DBQs are hosted on benefits.va.gov. A handful are examiner-only and are not posted publicly.

What the examiner records

The fields below are reproduced from the DBQ form the examiner completes for this diagnostic code. This is the structural map of the form, showing what the examiner is asked to measure, observe, and record. It is a factual reproduction of the public DBQ, not advice on how to answer.

This DBQ evaluates multiple sclerosis (MS) including conditions/symptoms, neurologic exam, mental health manifestations, housebound and aid & attendance status, and assistive devices.

How DC 8018 maps to this DBQ: for this diagnostic code specifically, the examiner typically completes sections I-III, V, X, and XIII-XV of this form. Section III is the condition-specific section for this code. Sections IV, VI-IX, and XI-XII cover unrelated conditions on this DBQ and are skipped.

8 of 15 sections apply to DC 8018 on this DBQ
DIAGNOSIS (Section I) MEDICAL HISTORY (Section II) CONDITIONS, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DUE TO MS (Section III) OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS AND/OR SYMPTOMS (Section V) ASSISTIVE DEVICES (Section X) DIAGNOSTIC TESTING (Section XIII) FUNCTIONAL IMPACT (Section XIV) REMARKS (Section XV)
DIAGNOSIS (Section I)
  • 1A. Does the Veteran now have or has he or she ever been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? Yes No
  • 1B. If yes, provide only diagnoses that pertain to MS: Diagnosis #1 ICD Code Date of diagnosis Diagnosis #2 ICD Code Date of diagnosis Diagnosis #3 ICD Code Date of diagnosis Multiple Sclerosis
  • 1C. If there are additional diagnoses that pertain to MS, list using above format:
MEDICAL HISTORY (Section II)
  • 2A. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's MS (brief summary):
  • 2B. Dominant hand Right Left Ambidextrous
CONDITIONS, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DUE TO MS (Section III)
  • 3A. Does the Veteran report any muscle weakness in the upper and/or lower extremities attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," document under strength testing in neurologic exam section)
  • 3B. Does the Veteran have any pharynx and/or larynx and/or swallowing conditions attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," check all that apply): Constant inability to communicate by speech Speech not intelligible or individual is aphonic Paralysis of soft palate with swallowing difficulty (nasal regurgitation) and speech impairment Hoarseness Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • 3C. Does the Veteran report any respiratory conditions attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," provide PFT results under "Diagnostic Testing" Section)
  • 3D. Does the Veteran report sleep distrubances attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," check all that apply): Insomnia Hypersomnolence and/or daytime “sleep attacks " Persistent daytime hypersomnolence Sleep apnea requiring the use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine, etc.
  • 3E. Does the Veteran have impairment of sphincter control attributable to MS? Yes No If "Yes," indicate severity: History of loss of sphincter control, currently asymptomatic Complete loss of sphincter control Partial loss of sphincter control
  • 3F. Does the Veteran report bowel incontinence to solids and/or liquids attributable to MS? Yes No If "Yes," indicate frequency: Less than once every six months, which requires wearing a pad at least once every six months At least once every six months, which requires wearing a pad at least once every six months Two or more times per month, which requires wearing a pad two or more times per month…
  • 3G. Does the Veteran have a physician-prescribed bowel program? Yes No If "Yes," indicate responsiveness: Fully responsive Partially responsive Not responsive Indicate the bowel program requirements (Check all that apply) Special diet
  • 3H. Does the Veteran report gastrointestinal symptoms attributable to MS? Yes No If "Yes," check all that apply: Change in stool frequency Change in stool form Altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency) Mucorrhea Abdominal bloating Subjective distention Constipation Other (specify): Abdominal pain related to defecation (if checked, indicate frequency during the previous 3 months) None At…
  • 3I. Does the Veteran report voiding dysfunction causing urine leakage attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," check all that apply) Does not require/does not use absorbent material Requires absorbent material that is changed less than 2 times per day Requires absorbent material that is changed 2 to 4 times per day Requires absorbent material that is changed more than 4 times per day
  • 3J. Does the Veteran report voiding dysfunction causing signs and/or symptoms of urinary frequency attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," check all that apply) Daytime voiding interval greater than 3 hours Nighttime awakening to void less than 2 times Daytime voiding interval between 2 and 3 hours Nighttime awakening to void 2 times Daytime voiding interval between 1 and 2 hours Nighttime…
  • 3K. Does the Veteran have voiding dysfunction causing findings, or report signs and/or symptoms of obstructed voiding attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," check all signs and symptoms that apply) Hesitancy (If checked, is hesitancy marked?) Yes No Slow or weak stream
  • 3L. Does the Veteran have voiding dysfunction requiring the use of an appliance attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," describe appliance):
  • 3M. Does the Veteran have a history of recurrent symptomatic urinary tract infections attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," check all treatments that apply) No treatment Suppressive drug therapy Lasting 6 months or longer For less than 6 months Hospitalization
  • 3N. Does the Veteran have or report any visual disturbances attributable to MS? Yes No (If "Yes," check all that apply, also complete the Eye Questionnaire (schedule with appropriate examiner)): Diplopia Blurring of vision Internuclear ophthalmoplegia Decreased visual acuity (If checked, specify): unilateral bilateral
  • 3O. Does the Veteran report erectile dysfunction or female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) attributable to MS? Note: Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) refers to the continual or recurrent physical inability of a woman to accomplish or maintain an ample lubrication- swelling reaction during sexual intercourse. Decreased blood flow to the genital area is believed to contribute to FSAD similar to…
NEUROLOGIC EXAM (Section IV)
  • 4A. Gait Normal Abnormal (describe): (If gait is abnormal and the Veteran has more than one medical condition contributing to the abnormal gait, identify the condition(s) and describe each condition's contribution to the abnormal gait):
  • 4B. Strength - Rate strength according to the following scale: 0/5 No muscle movement 1/5 Visible muscle movement, but no joint movement 2/5 No movement against gravity 3/5 No movement against resistance 4/5 Less than normal strength 5/5 Normal strength
  • 4C. Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs) - Rate reflexes according to the following scale: 0 - Absent 1+ Decreased 2+ Normal 3+ Increased without clonus 4+ Increased with clonus Biceps: Right: 0 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+
  • 4D. Sensation testing results: Shoulder area (C5): Right: Normal Decreased Absent Left: Normal Decreased Absent Inner/outer forearm (C6/T1): Right: Normal Decreased Absent Left: Normal Decreased Absent
  • 4E. Does the Veteran have muscle atrophy attributable to MS? Yes No (If muscle atrophy is present, indicate location): (When possible, provide difference measured in cm between normal and atrophied side, measured at maximum muscle bulk: cm).
  • 4F. Summary of muscle weakness in the upper and/or lower extremities attributable to MS (check all that apply): Right upper extremity muscle weakness: None Mild Moderate Severe Complete (no remaining function) With atrophy Left upper extremity muscle weakness: None Mild Moderate Severe Complete (no remaining function) With atrophy
OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS AND/OR SYMPTOMS (Section V)
  • 5A. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, condititions, signs and/or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the diagnosis section? Yes No (If "Yes," describe in a brief summary): Multiple Sclerosis
  • 5B. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the diagnosis section above? Yes No If "Yes," also complete the appropriate dermatological questionnaire.
  • 5C. Comments, if any:
MENTAL HEALTH MANIFESTATIONS DUE TO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS OR ITS TREATMENT (Section VI)
  • 6A. Does the Veteran have depression, cognitive impairment or dementia, or any other mental disorder attributable to MS and/or its treatment? Yes No (If "Yes," also complete Mental Disorders Disability Benefits Questionnaire and schedule with appropriate provider)
HOUSEBOUND (Section VII)
  • 7A. Due to MS, is the Veteran substantially confined to his or her dwelling and the immediate premises (or if institutionalized, to the ward or clinical areas)? Yes No (If "Yes," describe how often per day or week and under what circumstances the Veteran is able to leave the home or immediate premises):
  • 7B. If yes, does the Veteran have more than one condition contributing to his or her being housebound? Yes No (If "Yes," list conditions and describe how each condition contributes to causing the Veteran to be housebound) Provide conditions and describe how each condition contributes to the Veteran being housebound: Condition # 1 - Description - Condition # 2 - Description - Condition # 3 -…
  • 7C. If the Veteran has additional conditions contributing to causing the Veteran to be housebound, list using above format:
AID AND ATTENDANCE (Section VIII)
  • 8A. Is the Veteran able to dress or undress without assistance? Yes No
  • 8B. Does the Veteran have sufficient upper extremity coordination and strength to be able to feed him or herself without assistance? Yes No
  • 8C. Is the Veteran able to prepare meals without assistance? Yes No
  • 8D. Is the Veteran able to attend to the wants of nature (toileting) without assitance? Yes No Multiple Sclerosis
  • 8E. Is the Veteran able to bathe him or herself without assistance? Yes No
  • 8F. Is the Veteran able to keep him or herself ordinarily clean and presentable without assistance? Yes No
  • 8G. Is the Veteran able to take prescription medications in a timely manner and with accurate dosage without assistance? Yes No
  • 8H. Does the Veteran need frequent assistance for adjustment of any special prosthetic or orthopedic appliance(s)? Yes No (If "Yes," describe): NOTE: For VA purposes, "bedridden" will be that condition which actually requires that the claimant remain in bed. The fact that the claimant has voluntarily taken to bed or that a physician has prescribed rest in bed for the greater or lesser part of the…
  • 8I. Is the Veteran bedridden? Yes No
  • 8J. Is the Veteran legally blind? Yes No Provide best corrected vision, if known: Left Eye: Right Eye:
  • 8K. Does the Veteran require care and/or assistance on a regular basis due to his or her physical and/or mental disabilities in order to protect him or herself from the hazards and/or dangers incident to his or her daily enviroment? Yes No
  • 8L. List any condition(s), in addition to the veteran's MS, that causes any of the above limitations:
NEED FOR HIGHER LEVEL AID & ATTENDANCE (A&A) (Section IX)
  • 9A. Does the Veteran require a higher, more skilled level of A&A? Yes No Note: For VA purposes, this skilled, higher level care includes (but is not limited to) health-care services such as physical therapy, administration of injections, placement of indwelling catheters, changing of sterile dressings, and/or like functions which require professional health-care training or the regular…
ASSISTIVE DEVICES (Section X)
  • 10A. Does the Veteran use any assistive device(s) as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible? Yes No (If "Yes," identify assistive device(s) used (check all that apply and indicate frequency) Wheelchair Frequency of use: Occasional Regular Constant Brace(s) Frequency of use: Occasional Regular Constant Crutch(es) Frequency of use: Occasional…
  • 10B. If the Veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition and identify the assistive device used for each condition:
REMAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTION OF THE EXTREMITIES (Section XI)
  • 11A. Due to the MS condition, is there functional impairment of an extremity such that no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis? (Functions of the upper extremity include grasping, manipulation, etc., while functions for the lower extremity include balance and propulsion, etc.) Yes, functioning is so diminished that…
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (Section XII)
  • 12A. In your judgment, is the Veteran able to manage his or her benefit payments in his or her own best interest, or able to direct someone else to do so? Yes No (If "No," provide reason):
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING (Section XIII)
  • 13A. Have imaging studies been performed? Yes No (If "Yes," provide most recent results, if available): Multiple Sclerosis
  • 13B. Have PFTs been performed? Yes No (If "Yes," provide most recent results, if available): FEV1: % predicted Date of test: FEV1/FVC: % Date of test: FVC: % predicted Date of test:
  • 13C. If PFTs have been performed, is the flow-volume loop compatible with upper airway obstruction? Yes No (If "Yes," provide type of test or procedure, date and results, in a brief summary):
  • 13D. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? Yes No (If "Yes," provide type of test or procedure, date and results, in a brief summary):
FUNCTIONAL IMPACT (Section XIV)
  • 14A. Does the Veteran's MS impact his or her ability to work? Yes No (If "Yes," describe impact of the Veteran's MS, providing one or more examples): Multiple Sclerosis
REMARKS (Section XV)
  • 15A. Remarks (if any - please identify the section to which the remark pertains when appropriate).

Rating Levels for DC 8018

The following tiers are reproduced from 38 CFR Part 4, the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Toggle between the official VA criteria and a Plain English explanation.

Plain-English summaries are AI-generated to explain the official criteria. The official 38 CFR language is the binding legal standard. When in doubt, ask a VSO.

Evidence cited in published BVA decisions for DC 8018

The counts below are aggregated from published Board of Veterans Appeals decisions for this diagnostic code. Each row reports how often a given evidence type was discussed in the decision text, broken down by outcome. This is a factual aggregate of the public record, not a prediction or recommendation about any specific claim.

  • VA examination: appeared in 25 granted decisions (4 denied, 34 remanded; 63 total)
  • Private medical opinion: appeared in 6 granted decisions (1 denied, 5 remanded; 12 total)
  • Buddy / lay statements: appeared in 3 granted decisions (0 denied, 8 remanded; 11 total)
  • Nexus letter: appeared in 2 granted decisions (0 denied, 2 remanded; 4 total)
  • Service treatment records: appeared in 0 granted decisions (0 denied, 2 remanded; 2 total)
View the full DC 8018 pageSearch BVA decisions for this codeAbout DBQ forms

Disclaimer: This page reproduces public Department of Veterans Affairs forms (DBQs) and verbatim text from 38 CFR Part 4 (the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities). It is informational only and is not legal or medical advice. For guidance on a specific claim, contact a VA-accredited representative.