Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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Friday, December 17, 2021
VETERANS CHRONICLE
What is a nexus letter? This document can help establish that a medical condition is service-connected
If you have ever filed a claim with the VA for a medical condition that you believe was connected to your military service, you will probably be asked to provide a letter from a doctor that provides evidence that the condition was connected to their military service. In VA terms, this is called a “nexus letter.” It is the veteran’s responsibility to do the groundwork and obtain these nexus letters to submit with a claim. Here are some frequently asked questions about nexus letters and how to obtain one.
What is a nexus letter?
A nexus letter is a letter from your physician detailing the connection between your current conditions and your military service. The connection could be directly to a military event or circumstance, or to another medical condition that occurred in service.
Do I need a nexus letter?
If you have strong evidence that your conditions are service-connected, then you probably do not need a nexus letter. You need a letter, however, if you are trying to prove that your condition is secondary to another service-connected condition or if you do not have strong proof of service-connection.
Who should write my letter?
The physician who knows your current conditions best should write your letter. Their opinion will hold the most sway since they thoroughly understand your conditions and history.
What if my doctor won't write one?
Often civilian physicians are a bit intimidated by the idea of writing a nexus letter simply because they are unfamiliar with the disability system. The best option after you meet with your physician is to send them a letter already written for them that they can then adjust as needed and sign. This helps them feel more confident and diminishes the amount of work they must put in. If your physician still won't write the letter, you may need
to seek out another physician.
When should I submit my letter?
A nexus letter is just like any other proof you may have for a claim. As such, it is very important to submit it right at the beginning along with your claim. Submitting it later could result in it not being considered or delaying your claim. If you obtained the letter after your claim was denied, you can submit it as new evidence along with your appeal.
What should my letter say?
Check out a sample letter (https:// militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/wpcontent/uploads/2020/02/NEXUS letter-sample.pdf ) for full details on the contents, but briefly, it should contain the doctor's name and credentials, the diagnosis and history of the condition, details on how the condition is connected to your military service, and a clear statement that the condition is “more likely than not” the result of your service.
Can I submit more than one letter?
Yes, if you have multiple medical professionals who are familiar with your conditions, you can submit a letter from each of them. Multiple opinions in your favor strengthen your case but are not always essential.
What if my claim is still denied?
While nexus letters can be helpful, they are not guarantees that the VA will grant your claim. If there is strong evidence that the condition could have developed in a way unrelated to your military service, then there simply may not be enough evidence in your favor. You could always try to appeal, submitting additional letters from other physicians along with evidence of medical research that supports your claim. To find out more about filing a claim or getting a nexus letter, go to VA.GOV. For local resources, see “How Can I Get Help?” in this publication.
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