The Role of Nexus Letters in VA Disability Rating Increase Claims

The purpose of a Nexus letter is to help a Veteran seek service-connected compensation in opposition to the Veterans Affairs’ rejection of a recently or previously submitted claim. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down what a Nexus letter is and share how REE Medical can help you obtain one.

What is a Nexus letter?

The word Nexus simply means “connection” or “link,” and that’s exactly what a VA Nexus letter is.  

Drafted by a neutral, third-party doctor, a Nexus letter is a detailed report that explicitly links a Veteran’s disability or current medical condition to one or more events that occurred during their military service. 

 A Nexus letter can be submitted to the VA in any of the following circumstances:

1. 1. 1. If a claim was denied due to insufficient, inaccurate or lack of medical records with the initial application for a VA disability rating if a submitted claim was rejected by the VA
      2. While the VA is evaluating benefit eligibility
      3. After an unsuccessful Compensation and Pension exam, or C&P exam. 

While a Veteran isn’t required to submit a Nexus letter when applying for disability benefits, it can increase your chances of your application being approved.

What’s in a Nexus letter?

The Nexus letter should include:

• • • A statement from the physician indicating that your entire VA and medical files, as well as DD214 forms, have been viewed and notes from any recent examinations. 
    • Supporting evidence, such as private medical records, that provides additional information about the disability. 
    • References to relevant medical research such as scientific studies and medical journal articles that support the author’s key points. 
    • A strong conclusion that definitively states the connection, such as “is due to” or  “at least as likely as not” due to the veteran’s military service. These conclusions support the medical findings from a credible source.

How to obtain a Nexus letter?

To be credible and acceptable as a legitimate part of a claim or appeal proceedings, a Nexus letter for VA disability such as sleep apnea, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and other conditions, must be written by a certified medical provider. 

Who can’t write a Nexus letter? 

• • • A VA doctor, as that can present a conflict of interest
    • Yourself 

The REE Medical Nexus Letter Process

At REE Medical, we work with licensed medical practitioners who have the knowledge and experience necessary to write effective Nexus letters for Veterans that will help them obtain the benefits they deserve. There are a few simple steps we take to ensure that you are receiving the best services for your Nexus letter.

Action plan: We assess your prior claims and then develop an action plan that outlines the documentation we would need to provide a strong Nexus letter.

Nexus letter draft: After completing all action plan items, we will work with a licensed medical practitioner to prepare a Nexus letter and have it reviewed by a VA-licensed and accredited disability attorney.

Letter delivery: REE Medical will send the finalized Nexus letter to the veteran that they can then submit to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Reach out to our team to see if REE Medical’s Nexus letter services are a fit for your claim.