Compelling evidence can improve your chances of getting approved for VA disability benefits. Although a claim will need substantial medical evidence to prove the existence and severity of a veteran’s condition, veterans must also establish a connection between their condition and their military service. One of the most critical pieces of evidence for proving a service connection includes nexus letters.
Understanding Nexus Letters
A nexus letter is a written medical opinion from a qualified healthcare professional that links a veteran’s medical condition to their military service. Although a veteran’s treating physicians can diagnose a medical condition, the veteran will need an expert opinion from a healthcare professional to show a connection between that medical condition and the veteran’s military service. A persuasive nexus letter will describe the veteran’s medical history and military service and provide a medical rationale, stated to a standard of probability like “at least likely than not,” for how the veteran’s military service caused or aggravated the veteran’s medical condition.
Why Nexus Letters Matter for VA Claims
A veteran will qualify for VA disability benefits if they can prove they have a current medical condition that affects their mind or body, an event, illness, or injury that occurred during their military service, and a connection between military service and the veteran’s medical condition. Nexus letters can provide evidence to establish the link between a veteran’s military service and their medical condition, especially when a medical condition does not have an apparent service connection. For example, a veteran may not need a nexus letter to establish a service connection for a disability resulting from a limb lost in combat. However, veterans may need nexus letters for other conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, secondary conditions (such as insomnia related to PTSD), or conditions that manifest long after a veteran left the service, like cancer or chronic respiratory illness.
Who Can Write a Nexus Letter?
A nexus letter should come from a licensed medical professional, such as a physician or mental health provider. Ideally, veterans should obtain nexus letters from medical professionals with expertise in the relevant medical field (i.e., asking a psychiatrist to write a nexus letter regarding PTSD) and familiarity with the VA’s standards for evaluating disability claims. A medical professional who writes a nexus letter should have intimate familiarity with the veteran’s medical history, such as the veteran’s treating provider, or full access to the veteran’s medical records. A veteran may obtain a nexus letter from a VA doctor, private attending physician, mental health provider, or independent medical professional.
What Makes a Compelling Nexus Letter?
A persuasive nexus letter will have several characteristics, including:
- A detailed review and description of the veteran’s medical history and service records
- A medical explanation linking the veterans’ condition to their military service
- Use of terminology favored by VA claims reviewers
- A description of the author’s credentials, professional relationship to the veteran (if any), and contact information
Tips for Veterans Sending Nexus Letters
Veterans who seek nexus letters from medical professionals should follow best practices, including:
- Gathering their complete medical and service records before consulting a medical professional
- Selecting a professional with experience in VA disability claims
- Honestly discussing their history and symptoms with a professional
- Working with an accredited VA disability benefits attorney to ensure the nexus letter fits into the veteran’s claim
Contact a VA Disability Benefits Attorney Today
When you apply for VA disability benefits, having compelling nexus letters attached to your application can strengthen your claim. Contact Coskrey Law today for a free consultation with a VA disability benefits lawyer to discuss your eligibility for benefits and learn how a nexus letter can bolster your claim.