How to Get a Nexus Letter for Breathing Problems

The Department of Veterans Affairs—better known as the VA—provides disability benefits for veterans living with conditions that resulted from their time in the military. In order to establish that benefits are appropriate, it may be necessary to obtain a nexus letter that connects your breathing issues with an in-service event.

A strong nexus letter could make the difference between getting the maximum amount of available benefits and walking away with nothing. Finding a doctor capable of writing the ideal letter for your case can be difficult on your own, but Elite Medical Review Associates is here to help.

Are VA Benefits Available for Breathing Issues?

It is possible to receive VA benefits based on breathing issues. In order for your claim to succeed, you will need to establish three important factors. First, you will need to show that you served in the military. This can be active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training. You must also have ended your service with something other than dishonorable discharge.

Next, you need to have a current diagnosis of a respiratory disease. This could be any number of conditions, including asthma. Finally, there needs to be a link between your condition and an event that occurred during your military service. This is known as a nexus.

In addition to serving as primary conditions, breathing problems might also result in an increased rating as a secondary condition. A secondary condition is any condition that is directly caused by an already existing disability. For example, veterans with insomnia are more likely to develop conditions like sleep apnea over time. When they do, their sleep apnea is a secondary condition that could lead to increased disability payouts.

Common Respiratory Conditions Among Veterans

Breathing problems—more formally known as respiratory conditions—cover a wide range of health issues. Not only are these disabilities different and unique, but the way the VA rates each of them can vary as well. Some of the conditions commonly linked to military service include the following:

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that impacts how a person sleeps. It can be damaging and even has the potential to result in respiratory failure. This condition occurs when a person’s breathing is obstructed in their sleep. Some common causes are obesity, insomnia, and even PTSD.

Rhinitis

Rhinitis is an allergic response that impacts your ability to breathe. Certain allergens like dust or pollen can impact a person’s breathing, and while this condition is not as serious as other breathing problems, it can still form the basis of a viable disability claim. You could receive a rating of up to 30 percent from the VA if your rhinitis results in polyps.

Asthma

Asthma is a type of respiratory condition where a person’s airways become so inflamed it becomes difficult to breathe. Narrowing airways can lead to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Every person has a different severity level for this condition, varying between relatively minor to life-threatening. Asthma can lead to a full disability rating when it causes weekly episodes of respiratory failure or requires daily use or high dose corticosteroids.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Better known as COPD or chronic bronchitis, this condition is a type of inflammatory disease of the lungs. This inflammation obstructs airflow in and out of the lungs. Some of the most common symptoms of COPD include coughing, wheezing, tight chest, infections, and difficulty breathing.

What is a Nexus Letter?

A vital tool for developing a winning VA disability claim is a strong nexus letter. A nexus letter is a document authored by a medical professional that highlights the link between your breathing problems and an event that occurred during your military service.

These letters are often written by doctors, particularly for breathing problems. However, there are other medical professionals authorized to write these letters by the VA. Some examples include physician assistants and nurse practitioners. With some injuries, a letter authored by a chiropractor might also be accepted.

What is important is that the medical professional is experienced in treating your condition. It is helpful for them to also have a clear understanding of the VA claims process. You can submit these letters with your initial claim, although many people only provide them on appeal.

What to Include in a Nexus Letter for Breathing Problems

There are a few things that a viable nexus letter needs to include for it to have an impact in your disability case. Although they are described as “letters,” these documents are far more complex than a simple one-page correspondence or note. These letters usually go into detail regarding a veteran’s medical records and cite research that is helpful to their case.

The Provider’s Background

The first part of these letters must set out the qualifications of the author. Although any doctor licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. can author a letter, some are in a better position than others to write these documents. The letter should explain why the author’s background is well suited to offer an opinion on how a veteran’s breathing problems are linked to their service.

Supporting Rationale

There are two important types of documentation used in these letters. First, the author should cite the veteran’s medical records when coming to their conclusion. Second, they can rely on scholarly research and journal articles to bolster their claim that an event was service-related.

Strong conclusion

It is not enough to lay out medical records and research for the VA to consider. These letters need a strong opinion that it is more likely than not the breathing problems are linked to an in-service event.

Get Help With Your Nexus Letter – Call Elite Medical Review Associates Today

The team at Elite Medical Review Associates can connect you with the ideal medical professional to write your nexus letter. Contact us right away to learn more.