Exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins has unfortunately been a common occurrence in the military throughout the years. If you have been exposed to these substances during your time in service, you may be entitled to benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

A successful claim is not always easy to come by, especially when it comes to toxic exposure claims. Often, a favorable outcome is only possible when your application is backed up by a nexus letter written by a medical professional. At Elite Medical Review Associates, we can help you secure a strong letter that can strengthen your claim for compensation.

Understanding Toxic Exposure in the Military

Toxic exposure means any kind of physical contact or ingestion of harmful substances that are likely to negatively impact your health. The unfortunate reality is that toxic exposure has been common among military veterans over the years. These events can include skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion of contaminants in food or water.

Military personnel can encounter toxic material in many different ways. It can happen in combat situations where soldiers cannot avoid breathing in fumes from burn pits or pesticides. Others can develop an illness after working in close contact with dangerous solvents or cleaning agents. Even the drinking water on military bases like Camp Lejeune have led to toxic exposure.

All of these circumstances are linked to serious health conditions like cancer or neurological disorders. These health issues could result in a viable claim for VA Disability Compensation. Some of the conditions that result from toxic exposure include the following:

• Brain cancer
• Sinusitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Neck cancer
• Glioblastoma
• Melanoma
• Pancreatic cancer
• Emphysema
• Sarcoidosis
• Gastrointestinal cancer

These are only some of the conditions linked to toxic exposure. There are numerous other illnesses that have also been linked to everything from tainted drinking water to burn pit exposure.

Nexus Letters for Toxic Exposure

In many toxic exposure cases, the most difficult part about securing VA benefits is linking your medical condition to an event that occurred during your military service. Known as nexus events, this element is more difficult to prove than an acute injury like a broken leg that occurred in a training exercise. Since it can take years of an illness to show clear symptoms, the nexus link is not always immediately apparent.

That is where a nexus letter comes in. A nexus letter is a document written on your behalf by a doctor or other medical professional. The purpose of this letter is to offer evidence that your condition is linked to your military service.

Every nexus letter is unique, but they follow a general pattern. The letter should start with information about the author. While they are usually written by doctors, other medical professionals like physician assistants and nurse practitioners are also allowed to author them.

The letter should also include a review of your medical records. This is important, as it can highlight the extent of your illness and set the stage for how your condition is related to your military service. The letter can also include references to scholarly articles and medical journals that support the link between toxic exposure during your time in the military and the condition you are currently living with.

The conclusion is one of the most important parts of a nexus letter. The professional that authors your letter must say that it is as likely as not that your condition was caused by your exposure to toxic chemicals.

Cases Where Nexus Letters are Unnecessary

Linking serious medical conditions to toxic exposure in the military has always been challenging. In many cases, decades can go by before a veteran first experiences symptoms of the condition caused by exposure during their time in service. In recent years, Congress has taken steps to simplify this process for millions of veterans by passing something known as the PACT Act.

Under the PACT Act, certain illnesses are presumed to be service-related among veterans who were stationed in specific places at a certain time. If they meet these requirements, there is no need to attempt to establish the nexus link between their illness and an event related to their military service.

One of these examples is exposure to the toxic chemicals within burn pits. If you served in Kuwait, Iraq, or Afghanistan during certain periods including the Gulf War, you may have been exposed to smoke from enormous burn pits designed to dispose of all manner of waste. The largest of these pits was 20 acres long, resulting in plumes of smoke that were visible from miles away. The contents of these pits include everything from human waste to chemicals and rubber. If you have a qualifying condition after serving in proximity to these burn pits, you may not need to establish a nexus connection.

Is a Nexus Letter Always Necessary?

You are not obligated to include a nexus letter with your VA disability claim. However, the failure to do so outside of limited situations where your nexus is presumed can be a major mistake.

Your medical records alone are rarely enough to prove that your condition is linked to your service. This is especially true with toxic exposure, which can lead to the development of an illness months or years after the exposure occurs. Obtaining a nexus letter is the safest bet in your case.

Get Help For Your Claim – Reach Out to Elite Medical Review Associates Today

Toxic exposure has impacted the lives of service members and their loved ones for years. If you believe you are living with a condition related to this exposure, a nexus letter could be the piece of evidence you need to secure benefits. Let Elite Medical Review Associates connect you with the right professional for your case. Contact us right away to learn more.