Frequently Asked Questions

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If a Veteran wants to file a disability claim with the VA and get VA benefits, they must give evidence that their current illness/injury/disability was caused by something that happened during their military service. 

A nexus letter makes that case: It is a letter written by a medical professional that establishes a link (in other words, a nexus) between a Veteran’s medical condition and their service—either something that happened during their service or a preexisting condition that was already linked to the Veteran’s service. 

• NOTE: Some sources define a nexus letter as a statement from any medical professional that links a Veteran’s condition with their service, but other sources specify that a nexus letter is one written by a doctor not used or employed by the VA. To avoid confusion, we have chosen to use the former definition. 

You can submit a nexus letter at any point in the claims process: with your initial benefits application, while the claim is being processed, or after your compensation & pension (C&P) exam. 

You may not actually need a nexus letter to get VA benefits. If your C&P examiner has already linked your illness, disability, or another condition to your service, no nexus letter is required. However, if you are trying to file a secondary service connection or if your condition was not diagnosed while you were in service, a nexus letter will immensely bolster your case and lessen the likelihood that the VA will deny you benefits. In addition, if the VA has previously denied your claim, you will need additional proof to support service connection. In these scenarios, a nexus letter would bolster your case. 

If you are just requesting benefits for one condition, you just need one letter. However, if you are requesting benefits for more than one condition, you will need one nexus letter per condition. 

The turnaround time for nexus letters depends on several factors, including the number of records our doctor is required to review, when your Zoom conference call occurs, and the research time needed to support a nexus between the condition and your time in service. However, once all information is received, it typically takes two to three business days to generate the nexus letter. 

If you have a deadline that you must meet, please call our office. Although our policy is to complete nexus letters in the order in which we receive materials/information, we are happy to discuss your deadline and see if rush completion is possible. 

Unfortunately, nothing can guarantee that the VA will accept your claim, because the VA considers many factors when making a determination. However, a professionally written and well supported nexus letter can be extremely helpful in bolstering your case by providing objective evidence to substantiate service connection.