My Claim was denied, can a Nexus Letter help me?
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.
Getting an Expert to properly support your claim in a Nexus Letter.
The burden of proof is not beyond a reasonable doubt, it is more likely than not. However, the burden of proof does need to be backed up with supporting evidence. The medical opinion does need to support that the burden of proof has been met and that it is supported by the medical evidence. This means that it is more likely than not (greater than 50% more likely) that the condition was caused by (or aggravated by) military service. The review of your medical documentation by a seasoned medical expert with a background in Veteran’s disability is beneficial in determining what supporting evidence makes this connection (or nexus).
Where should I start?
If this is for your appeal of a denied claim, make sure you have all the relevant information from VA about why the claim was denied. Many times the lack of medical evidence from your Military Service is the reason. When you make the decision to use an expert then consider using a Doctor with U.S. Military and VA experience. By using a credentialed expert to review your medical records, you are more likely to find the supporting evidence that connects your claimed condition to your military service in a way that is more difficult to deny. The VA is required to give you the information that they have collected about your medical condition and any prior claims. This is called your Claim File or “C-File”. You can and should obtain a copy of your C-file. See references below for more information.
References
You can start the process of getting your VA records by going to https://www.va.gov/records/
How to get my DoD complete file https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/
VA records status can be checked here https://www.va.gov/FOIA/Requests.asp
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