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What Is A Nexus Letter

by | Nexus Letter

What you need to know about a Nexus Letter.

A nexus letter is a document that a doctor prepares for a veteran, and it explains that the veteran’s current medical condition is related to their military service.

Veterans are not required to submit a nexus letters with their disability claim, but the nexus letter can connect the condition to military service and this can make the difference between an award and a denial of the disability claims.

A nexus letter can be submitted at any time. Generally, it is best to submit a nexus letter earlier rather than later. The doctor that prepares the nexus letter can use medical evidence to connect your current medical condition to you military service.

What do I need to do to get a Nexus Letter.

You can start the process right here on Patient360.info by registering and providing some information about you and your condition, then request a visit with the Doctor to review your particular situation.

What is a C-file and how do I get mine.

One of the first steps in the process is obtaining a copy of your complete VA Claim File, this is known as your “C-file”. The VA is required to give you this file and it contains all information that the VA has about your medical condition and claim. It is invaluable in preparation of your claim and can be the best place to start to help correct any errors or omissions that the VA has about your medical condition and your claim.

 

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Nexus Letter F.A.Q.

What needs to be in a nexus letter?

Things that need to be in a nexus letter:

1. Brief - it should be concisely focused on facts and conclusions.

2. Expert opinion - doctor with credentials. Our doctors have specialty board-certification and have prior military service.

3. Records review - connecting your condition to your military service requires review of relevant medical records and service records. The doctor will make a statement in the letter that they had access to, and were able to review these records.

4. Burden of proof - is more likely than not. The medical opinion does not have to be absolute. Remember the burden of proof is more likely than not that the condition was caused by (or aggravated by) military service.

5. Neutral party - the expert opinion of the doctor should remain honest and based on evidence. While not required, a recent examination of the veteran can add weight to the nexus letter.

I don't have any medical evidence that my condition occured in military service, can you still help me?

While it is important in cases for a veteran to submitted medical evidence in support of their claim, there can be other ways to link the condition to military service. This can be through eyewitness sworn statements, combat patrol reports and post-deployment health assessments among other ways.

My claim was denied, now what?

You can strengthen the evidence in your appeal of a denied claim by using a nexus letter. The use of a well qualified expert to assist you in an appeal of your claim can strengthen the connection between your military service and your medical condition. The burden of proof is not insurmountable and your expert is offered as a neutral party reviewer of your claim.

When is it too late to submit a nexus letter?
The Veteran can submit the nexus letter with their initial application for benefits, during the development of the claim are after the claim has been denied. Generally, it is best to submit a nexus letter earlier rather than later.
Why should I want a neutral party statement?
It is important that the VBA (Veteran's Benefit Administration) adjudicator find the medical evidence linking your medical condition to military service believable and this is best done by a neutral party.