Skip to main content

Evidence checklist

Specific Phobia

DC 940338 CFR § 4.130Mental Disorders

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Psychiatric evaluation documenting symptoms at claimed levelCritical

A thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist that documents specific symptoms, their frequency, and their impact on occupational and social functioning.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking condition to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion stating it is "at least as likely as not" (50%+ probability) that your condition is connected to your military service, with specific rationale.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

C&P examination

0 of 1 collected
C&P examination with adequate assessment of all symptomsCritical

The VA-scheduled exam should assess all symptoms at your claimed rating level. If the exam was inadequate (too brief, wrong specialty), document this for appeal.

VA-scheduled · request a copy on VA.gov
03

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Ongoing mental health treatment recordsCritical

Records from your therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor showing consistent treatment, symptom frequency, and severity over time.

VA or private records · written request
Medication history and response documentation

Records showing what medications you have tried, dosage changes, side effects, and whether symptoms are controlled or uncontrolled.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 3 collected
Documentation of occupational impact (missed work, job changes, terminations)

Employment records, performance reviews, or employer statements showing how your condition affects your ability to work.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Mental Disorders (Other Than PTSD)

A standardized VA form completed by a qualified mental health provider that captures all rating-relevant symptoms in the format raters need.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.