Obtaining disability benefits from the VA will require you to present sufficient evidence to prove you have a qualifying service-connected disability. In particular, veterans must demonstrate that their medical condition is related to their military service. Most veterans establish a service connection for their medical condition through a nexus letter. A nexus letter can serve as a critical piece of evidence in securing VA disability benefits.
What Is a Nexus Letter?
A “nexus letter” is a written document from a medical professional that provides the professional’s opinion regarding the link between a veteran’s medical condition and their military service. A nexus letter can come from a physician, licensed psychologist, or another qualified healthcare provider. The letter will provide a detailed review of a veteran’s service and medical history to explain the connection between the veteran’s military service and their current medical condition. The author of the letter will state their opinion regarding the connection between the veteran’s condition and their military service, described to a specific degree of medical certainty.
The Importance of Nexus Letters
Nexus letters can serve as critical evidence to prove the service connection element for qualifying for VA disability benefits. The VA regularly denies disability benefits claims when it finds that a veteran has failed to establish a connection between their condition and military service. A nexus letter can provide the compelling evidence needed to prove a service connection. Nexus letters can prove especially important for specific disability claims, including those involving:
- Delayed-onset medical conditions
- Secondary conditions
- Mental health conditions, such as PTSD
A compelling nexus letter can tip the scales in favor of approval during an initial review of a VA disability claim or an appeal of a denied claim.
What Makes a Strong Nexus Letter?
A strong, compelling nexus letter will have several elements:
- Written by a licensed medical professional: A nexus letter must come from a credible, licensed medical professional with expertise relevant to the veteran’s medical condition.
- Review of service and medical records: The author of a nexus letter should discuss the medical and service records they reviewed and identify aspects of the records that support the author’s opinion.
- Explicit medical opinion: A nexus letter must provide a clear medical opinion using relevant VA terminology (e.g., “at least as likely as not” or “more likely than not”).
- Detailed rationale: The author must explain their reasoning for reaching their opinion, including citing medical literature and evidence as necessary.
A compelling nexus letter should avoid vague or brief, conclusory statements. The author should support their opinions and contentions with detailed discussions that cite to the evidentiary record and generally accepted medical knowledge.
How to Obtain a Nexus Letter
A veteran may obtain a nexus letter from one of their treating medical providers or from an independent medical professional. Ideally, the author of a nexus letter should have experience with VA disability claims and an understanding of how the agency evaluates veterans’ claims. You will need to provide the author of your nexus letter with your complete service and medical records. Medical providers may charge veterans to write nexus letters, especially when a veteran retains an independent medical expert who specializes in drafting nexus letters for VA disability benefits claims.
Contact a VA Disability Lawyer Today
When you have a disabling medical condition caused by your military service, you may qualify for VA disability benefits. Obtaining a nexus letter can help you prove your right to benefits. Contact Veteran Esquire Legal Solutions today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a VA disability benefits attorney to learn more about the importance of nexus letters for disability benefits claims.