What is a Nexus Letter?

There are a lot of moving parts in dealing with VA disability claims, and at some point, you’ve probably heard the term “Nexus Letter.” But what is a Nexus Letter exactly and why is it important for your claim? Let’s break it down so you know what a Nexus Letter is and how it can help you get the benefits you deserve.

What is a Nexus Letter?

If you have found yourself asking “What is a Nexus Letter?” a lot as you’ve learned more and more about the complexities involved in applying for disability benefits, don’t worry. You are not alone! 

So, what IS a Nexus Letter?

Essentially, a Nexus Letter is a written statement from a medical specialist that establishes a link—or “nexus”—between your military service and your present medical conditions. It is a piece of evidence used to demonstrate that your medical conditions are the direct result of your time in service.

You now know the answer to the question “What is a Nexus Letter?”, but why is it important?  

What is a Nexus Letter and why is it important?

Well, in order for the VA to grant disability benefits for any condition, the veteran must provide proof that the condition meets the requirements for Service-Connection. 

VA Disability Benefits are intended to compensate a veteran for any medical damages caused by their military service. To grant these benefits, the VA legally must have proof that each condition is the result of military service. This ensures that these benefits are only given for service-connected conditions and not for conditions unrelated to military service. 

In some cases, it can be difficult to prove service-connection, especially for conditions that develop years after service. A Nexus Letter can provide this essential evidence using medical rationale that connects your condition to your service.

But how is this done? Well, let’s discuss the elements included in a Nexus Letter.

What elements are included in a Nexus Letter?

In order to fully answer the question “What is a Nexus letter?”, you need to understand the elements contained in the letter. These elements must work together to prove that your condition is service-connected.

To do this, a properly written Nexus Letter must include the following:

1. Medical Professional’s Credentials: The letter must be written by a medical professional who has thorough knowledge of your medical history and current condition. The strongest letters will be from physicians who are specialists in the field (i.e. cardiologist, neurosurgeon, etc.) and thus can give the most educated and qualified opinion of the cause of the condition. The letter must thus include the physician’s credentials and their familiarity with your condition. 
2. Straightforward Opinion: In order for service-connection to be established, the medical professional must clearly state that the condition is “at least as likely as not” or “more likely than not” caused or aggravated by your military service. 
3. Rationale: The letter must then explain the reasoning and reference any supporting evidence behind the professional’s opinion.

Do you need a Nexus Letter?

Nexus Letters are not required, and many claims are successful without them.  

However, if you’ve collected all of the medical evidence you can get in regards to your condition and service and it is not enough to prove any type of service-connection, then you will need to get a Nexus Letter.  

The most common claims that require a Nexus Letter are for secondary conditions, mental disorders that developed after service, and conditions caused by exposures. 

When should you get a Nexus Letter?

Most veterans ask “What is a Nexus Letter?” late in the VA Disability Process, but whether you should get one depends on where you are in the process and the particular needs of your claim. 

If you have not yet submitted a claim, then you need to determine if you have enough evidence to prove service-connection for each of your conditions. If not, then you will definitely want to get a Nexus Letter to submit along with your claim.

If you have already submitted your claim but it has not been determined yet, then submitting a Nexus Letter will delay the process significantly. However, if you know that your claim does not have enough evidence to prove service-connection, then the delay will be worth it. Go ahead and submit it as soon as possible. 

If your claim was denied service-connection and you are still within the timeframe for an appeal, then you can get a Nexus Letter now and submit it in a supplemental claim as part of the appeal process. 

If your claim was denied and it is past the timeframe for an appeal, then you can submit a letter along with a new claim to reopen it. 

How to obtain your Nexus Letter

Now that we’ve answered “What is a Nexus Letter?”, you might be wondering how to get one. 

It can sometimes be difficult to get a letter as not all physicians are comfortable with or willing to write one. 

Here’s a quick guide to walk you through the process:

• First, use our Sample Nexus Letter to write a template for your physician that they can quickly edit and sign. Many physicians are not familiar with Nexus Letters and so may be hesitant to write one. By making it as quick and easy as possible for them, they are more likely to agree. 
• Next, approach the physician who either diagnosed your condition or has been treating it for the longest period of time. The VA will give letters from these physicians the most credibility. Tell them what you need and why it is vital to your claim. Let them know that you have a template that they can quickly edit and sign. 
• Once you receive the letter, review it thoroughly to ensure that it successfully connects your condition to your service and contains all of the required elements before submitting it with your disability claim.

Tips for a Successful Nexus Letter

To ensure that your Nexus Letter adds strength to your claim, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right healthcare provider: The letter should be written by the most qualified physician who is most familiar with your condition. 
• Write a template letter: Save your doctor time and stress by creating a template letter they can quickly edit and sign. 
• Double check: Make sure the completed letter contains all of the required elements discussed above.

A well-written Nexus Letter containing all the right elements from the most qualified physician will help strengthen your claim and hopefully gain you the disability benefits you deserve. 

What is a Nexus Letter? – A Quick Sum Up

In summary, here are the main takeaways.

A Nexus Letter is

• A letter that connects your current medical condition to your military service
• Written by the most qualified physician who knows your condition the best
• Comprised of the required elements
• Submitted along with your claim or appeal
• Not required unless your evidence does not sufficiently prove service-connection

So, what is a Nexus Letter? It could be the key to a successful VA claim!