When you’re ready to apply for VA disability, you’ll need a copy of your military service records, your medical records during and after your time of service, and something called a nexus letter. This document, which establishes the link between your service and your medical conditions, is one of the core components of proving service connection.
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In this article about doctors and nexus letters
What is a medical nexus?
A medical nexus is a statement from a doctor, affirming a connection between your condition and your military service. To provide a nexus to service, the doctor must find that your condition was “at least as likely as not” caused by your military service.
The specifics of your nexus will depend on your specific situation. However, the primary requirement is there must be a cause and effect relationship between your active duty military service and your impairment.
What is a nexus letter?
A nexus letter is the opinion of a medical professional that states your condition is a result of your active duty service. It is one of the most important pieces of evidence in seeking disability benefits.
The letter will explain how something that happened in service (an injury, an accident, a set of conditions during service, etc.) either caused your condition or aggravated a pre-existing condition.
Your nexus letter might also provide another perspective than that of a compensation and pension exam. In some cases, the doctors who perform those exams may find that your condition isn’t as bad as you say or isn’t connected to your service. In these cases, your nexus letter can provide a second opinion that could swing the results of your application.
It’s important to note that not all VA disability claims require you to provide a medical nexus. Some conditions are considered presumptive. This means the VA knows there is a strong connection between certain service conditions and medical issues. For instance, you may have served in areas where Agent Orange was used. If you later develop any of a variety of medical conditions, the VA will agree that these conditions are connected to your service.
VA requirements for nexus letter doctors
Although you may have heard the terms “nexus doctor” or “nexus letter doctors,” they are not legally or medically recognized terms. Any traditionally licensed physician can provide your diagnosis and medical nexus.
In general, the VA will only accept opinions from healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners, licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. Although, professionals such as naturopaths, acupuncturists, and chiropractors will more than likely not meet VA approval.
Family doctors
Your first thought might be to ask your primary care physician to write your nexus letter because who knows more about your health than your personal doctor?
One point to consider is that not all doctors are willing to write nexus letters. Many family doctors have little to no expertise in writing nexus letters to meet VA standards and they might not be comfortable writing a nexus statement.
The VA has training documents online for doctors that are treating and assessing veterans. They can download this pocket card to guide them through the right questions to ask.
Specialists
In some cases, you may have been referred to a specialist during the diagnostic process. If so, you might want to ask them to write your nexus letter. A specialist may be able to provide more detail about your condition and the long-term impact it has on your health. If the doctor doesn’t have experience writing nexus letters, you could provide them with a nexus letter template for some guidance.
Finding a doctor to write a nexus letter
If you have to find a new doctor for your nexus letter, you may feel a little lost. You can start by asking your veteran friends which doctors they recommend. You can also consult a lawyer who handles VA cases. They have connections with doctors and can help you find the right provider. At Woods and Woods, we have a network of general practitioners and specialists who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Will a VA doctor write a nexus letter?
No. VA doctors can’t and won’t write nexus letters because it would represent a conflict of interest. As a doctor, they’re required to care for you, the patient.
However, a C&P examiner can be asked to evaluate your condition and provide a medical opinion including a nexus statement.
Looking for a VA lawyer?
Woods and Woods has a network of medical professionals we trust to get the evidence our clients need. We work with doctors who review medical records and write reports and work with psychologists and vocational experts who understand VA compensation.
We have helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. Call us today to discuss your first application or your VA disability appeal. The call is free and we won’t charge you a single fee unless we win your case.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In general, the VA accepts nexus letters from healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners, licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. Your primary care physician may or may not be willing to write a nexus letter to support your disability benefits claim. Not all doctors have experience writing nexus letters. If you need help finding a doctor to write a nexus letter, you can ask veteran friends who they recommend. You could also contact a VA-certified disability benefits attorney at Woods and Woods to help connect you with a provider.
No. You need a licensed medical professional to write it for the VA. We encourage you to make notes about your conditions and your experience to help your nexus doctor include the correct details in your letter, but you can’t write it yourself.
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