Do I Need a Nexus Letter?

EXTRA-FOR THE VETERAN OF THE VETERAN SHARE OF THE DAY

No, you don’t need a Nexus Letter.

A VA Nexus Letter is not required and including one with your VA claim does not guarantee service connection.

Yet, there are some specific instances where you might want to get a Nexus Letter from a private healthcare provider to help you prove service connection.

Okay, let’s explore the ins and outs of Nexus Letters in more detail.
What is a Nexus Letter?
What is a Nexus Letter

VA disability benefits expert Brian Reese describes a Nexus Letter as follows:

“A Nexus Letter is an evidence-based document (advisory type opinion) prepared by a private medical professional that helps to establish a link or connection (“Nexus”) between the veteran’s current disability and their active-duty military service. A Nexus Letter can also be used to establish secondary service connection and service connection via aggravation.”
– Brian Reese

Pro Tip: Not all Nexus Letters are created equally nor are they offered equal weight by the VA. Some have more probative value than others.
Should I Get a Nexus Letter?

Nexus Letters can be submitted at any time during the VA claim process, however, we recommend veterans provide them to the VA at claim submission – either the initial claim, increase claim, or during the Supplemental Claim or Board Appeals process.

Here’s a simple litmus test to determine if you should get a Nexus Letter for your VA disability compensation claim:

If your disability was diagnosed during service, and it’s in your military medical records (Service Treatment Records), you probably do not need a Nexus Letter. Why? Because you have medical evidence that the disability existed during your military service.

If your disability was not diagnosed during service or if there are no documented symptoms in your military medical records, you probably do need a Nexus Letter. Why? Because you don’t have medical evidence that the disability existed during service.

If you’re attempting to service connect a previously denied VA claim or trying to file for secondary service connection, a Nexus Letter is highly recommended. Why? Because you need a powerful argument to overcome a previous VA claim denial. In addition, secondary service connection requires Medical Nexus Evidence that your new disability is “proximately due to” or “aggravated by” a current service-connected disability.

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