Asthma and VA Disability Claims: Ensuring Your Nexus Letter is Comprehensive

Asthma—which is more formally known as bronchial asthma—is a respiratory condition which involves the constriction of your airways. This constriction can make it difficult to breathe. The degree of severity for asthma can vary, in some cases resulting in potentially fatal consequences.

One of the most important pieces of information in a successful VA disability claim is the nexus letter. This document, which is authored by a medical professional, provides opinion evidence that your asthma is related to your time in the military. Elite Medical Review Associates can ensure your nexus letter is comprehensive.

The VA Offers Disability Benefits for Service-Related Asthma Claims

If you are living with asthma that you believe is the result of your military service, you will need to prove that your disability is service-connected in order to receive benefits through the VA. There are three important elements that must be met to make that happen.

First and foremost, you must have a formal diagnosis of asthma from a qualified medical professional. It is not enough for you to believe you have this condition or for you to show common symptoms, like shortness of breath. This diagnosis must also be current, meaning evidence that you had asthma years ago might not be enough if there is concern your symptoms are no longer present.

The next requirement for a successful claim is the presence of an in-service event or exposure. This would be an incident or exposure that occurred during your service that has been linked to asthma in the past.

Asthma has been connected to burn pit exposure, fine particulate matter exposure, and toxic chemical exposure, among other things

Finally, there has to be a nexus between your asthma and the in-service event described above. If you cannot show a nexus, the VA will not pay out any benefits because of the lack of evidence that your condition has anything to do with your service in the military.

What is a Nexus Letter?

A nexus letter serves an important purpose: proving the link between your disability and your military service. This connection, known as a nexus, can be one of the most challenging aspects of a successful disability claim.

These letters are authored by doctors or other medical professionals, and they are designed to establish that the connection exists. They are generally written by medical professionals with experience treating asthma or any other condition you may be seeking benefits for.

The term “letter” makes this document sound informal, but it is closer to an expert medical report than just a piece of correspondence. Letters are often several pages in length, and they include a thorough review of your medical history. This is included to establish that your diagnosed case of asthma is as serious as your claim suggests.

A nexus letter relies on more than just your medical history. The medical professional will also review and cite scholarly journals and other medical research to draw a connection between an in-service event or exposure and your condition. These journals could highlight circumstances similar to yours in an effort to make the nexus connection in your case.

The most important part of a nexus letter is that it includes a strong conclusion. These documents must do more than just hint at a relationship between an in-service event and your asthma. In order to influence the outcome of your claim, the letter must offer an opinion that it is as likely as not that your asthma resulted from an event during your military service.

Can My Doctor Write a Nexus Letter for an Asthma Claim?

It is natural to wonder if your own physician has the ability to write a nexus letter for your asthma disability claim. While your doctor knows your case and your health the best, they may not be the best option. In fact, many of them might not be willing to write a letter on your behalf at all.

Some doctors choose not to participate in the VA claims process. This might be due to their preference to spend their time treating patients instead of writing letters and performing research. Others might not fully understand the process and would prefer not to learn how it works.

In other situations, doctors working in private practice might be a part of a medical group or hospital that prevents them from offering an opinion in these cases. Even if they would prefer to help, doing so might violate their employment contract.  

You are also unlikely to have the support of your primary care physician if you rely on physicians contracted by the VA. Although VA employers are not prohibited from writing nexus letters, most will opt not to. The VA frowns on their physicians offering opinions on service connections outside of official C & P exams, so it is helpful to assume they will not make an exception for your case.

The good news is that there other medical professionals out there that may be able to assist you. When you work with Elite Medical Review Associates, you can count on us to match you with the someone who understands the process and can assist with your case.

Your Nexus Letter is Important – Speak With Elite Medical Review Associates Today

Obtaining a strong nexus letter is the best way to prepare for your disability claim. This evidence drafted by a medical expert can help you establish the most complicated element of your case.

At Elite Medical Review Associates, we can help you connect with the ideal medical professional for your asthma VA disability claim. Our team understands how challenging this process can be without support, and we are confident we can help you get the evidence you need. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss a nexus letter for your asthma claim.