VA Disability Nexus Letters
Evolve Psychiatry proudly offers comprehensive and professional assistance for individuals seeking a Nexus letter to establish a connection between their service-related conditions and their military service. Our team of experienced and dedicated professionals understands the complexities of the VA disability claims process and is committed to helping veterans navigate it with ease. Whether you're applying for VA benefits, submitting a disability claim, or appealing a decision, our personalized approach ensures that each nexus letter is meticulously crafted to effectively articulate the link between your condition and your military service. With our expertise and attention to detail, you can trust us to advocate for your rights and support your journey towards obtaining the benefits you deserve.
What is a Nexus letter?
The VA is required by law to have clear and definite proof that a condition was caused by military service and no other cause before they can provide disability benefits. It is the veteran’s responsibility to provide that proof. A Nexus Letter is a crucial document in a VA disability claim that establishes the connection between a veteran's current medical condition and their military service. The connection could be directly to a military event or circumstance, or to another medical condition that occurred in service. A strong Nexus Letter should include medical expertise, evidence supporting the disability claim, research supporting the conclusions, and a conclusion asserting the likelihood of the condition being service-related.
When does an individual need a Nexus letter?
A Nexus letter is more often needed when there is little to no evidence of service connection, this includes late onset of symptoms or late recognition of symptoms. Additionally, when an existing VA disability claim without a Nexus letter has been denied, patients often use a Nexus letter to show further proof of service-related symptoms.
What kind of conditions do not require a Nexus letter?
VA automatically presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran’s military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a Veteran within a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation.
What makes getting benefits for a mental health claim harder?
In cases of mental disorders, a Nexus Letter can help connect the disorder to an event or circumstance related to military service that caused the disorder. It’s important to be able to show that the military service was the main cause of the disorder, and a clear nexus detailing the circumstances that triggered the symptoms will be crucial if minimal records exist of the condition during service.
Can a veteran submit a Nexus letter from my VA or civilian primary care physician?
Although a veteran may request letters from their PCP for physical ailments, when it comes to mental health related disabilities, the VA scrutinizes the relevant background and expertise of the professional who writes the report. An expert physician in the field of the claimed disability who is familiar with the veteran’s current medical conditions and history should write their Nexus Letter.
Can a veteran submit a Nexus letter from someone they know personally?
Veterans can also submit “buddy” letters from their family and friends who know them really well and are vouching for their disability but these are not a sufficient substitute for an independent medical opinion by a healthcare professional.
Can a veteran just use a doctor’s progress notes?
Progress notes alone do not address the requirements for a service-related connection to symptoms and will usually not suffice. In fact, providing only progress notes that are missing elements of VA requirements often further complicates a claim. A comprehensive Nexus Letter from a different provider often becomes a necessity.
Can a veteran submit more than one letter?
Yes, if a veteran has multiple medical professionals who are familiar with your conditions, they can submit a letter from each of them. Multiple opinions in a claimant’s favor definitely strengthen your case, but are not always essential.
What type of expertise does Evolve Psychiatry offer?
Our clinical team specializes in independent medical opinion reports, such as Nexus letters, including medical rationale and research citations that fully support the physician’s opinion. We aim to thoroughly understand your past history and support a clear connection between your current symptoms and past service-related experiences for a favorable service-related claim approval.
What is included in the comprehensive evaluation process?
The process includes an initial assessment, clinical evaluation, meticulous review of your medical and psychiatric history, past records, report writing that involves researching and citing literature to explain a clear connection between your current psychiatric symptoms and relevant service-related experiences.
What records need to be reviewed in preparation for a Nexus letter?
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Military service records including patient’s service history, duty assignments, dates of service, and any relevant documentation of traumatic incidents
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Medical records including documentation of patient’s historical medical conditions, treatments, and diagnoses
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Detailed account of the traumatic incidents the patient experienced during their military service including dates, locations, and any other pertinent information
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VA Claims file (also known as a C-file)
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Supporting documentation such as police reports related to incidents, statements from witnesses, past Nexus letter(s)
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Patient’s current medical condition and symptoms
How much does the Nexus letter cost?
Pricing varies depending on the complexity of the case which is determined at the patient's consultation. The general range of fees for the report is between $1500 to $4500. Insurance does not cover independent medical opinion reports such as Nexus letters so fees are out-of-pocket and paid for privately by the patient.
What is included in the fee for a Nexus letter?
This one-time fee includes unlimited draft revisions and consultation(s) with veteran medical experts on your behalf as well as ongoing support for VA disability claims.
How long will it take to complete the Nexus letter?
After a patient's initial evaluation and once all required records are supplied to our practice, the approximate time to complete the comprehensive report is approximately 14 days. Patients have the option to request an expedited report which is completed in as little as 5 days.
What is Evolve Psychiatry's success rate with Nexus letters for disability claims?
We boast a 100% approval rate for all applicants who have chosen our service. We ensure your Nexus Letter is a comprehensive analysis of the connection between your condition and military service.
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 important to submit your Nexus Letter along with your initial claim to avoid delays or potential oversight.
What are the most common reasons for VA disability claims denial?
Denials most often occur due to insufficient historical evidence of symptoms, submitting medical progress notes that do not delineate a clear connection of the symptoms to past military service, delayed submissions and letters by people without medical expertise.
Can I submit my letter after a VA disability claim denial?
If your claim was previously denied, Evolve Psychiatry can still write your Nexus letter to strengthen your disability claim. However, if your claim is denied using our progress notes, then it is best to seek an attorney who can connect you with a new provider to write your Nexus letter to avoid a repeat denial.
Does a Nexus letter guarantee my claim will be approved?
While Nexus Letters are a very strong support of a disability claim, they are not guarantees that the VA will grant your claim. If the VA judges 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.
What if my claim is still denied?
For most denials, an applicant can always try to appeal the case and submit additional letters from different physicians. You may benefit from the assistance of a legal assistance to navigate the appeals process effectively and establish the service connection for your condition.
Which option is best for me?
Ultimately, the choice of a letter writer, whether a psychiatrist, PCP, or friend, should be based on the nature and severity of the mental health challenges needing to be addressed, time constraints, and the financial means of the applicant. Consulting with a VA disability claims attorney or someone with specific expertise required for the situation will help guide the decision-making process.
How can I get started?
If you are going to be a new patient, you must complete our PAQ and select "Independent Medical Opinion" as your primary reason for inquiry. You should add that you need a Nexus letter in the free text option. If you are an established patient, you should contact our office and request for your next appointment to be scheduled with an MD to discuss your case.
Where can I find the latest VA Disability Claims guidelines?
Regulations and guidelines are always changing, so it's important to refer to the most up-to-date information on VA Disability or consult with a legal expert for the latest requirements.