Are Your Medical Nexus Letters Guaranteed to Win My VA Benefits Case?

The nexus letter is a crucial part of your VA benefits claim. Often, it is the strongest evidence proving that your claim is directly linked to your military service. Without this documentation, it could be impossible to secure the benefits you deserve.

A nexus letter is an invaluable part of your claim, but that does not mean they are guaranteed to work. The decision makers at the VA could reject your claim and deny benefits even when a medical expert in the appropriate field writes a strong letter on your behalf.

Despite this reality, the outcome of your case is likely to be more favorable when you have an independent medical opinion. The experts at Elite Medical Review Associates are ready to connect you with the right medical expert for your case.

A Strong VA Letter Never Guarantees a Favorable Outcome

If you are pursuing benefits for your disability through the VA, you want to put forward the strongest case possible. This usually means submitting a nexus letter authored by a medical professional. In some cases, your letter may be written by a doctor who specializes in treating your disabling condition. 

In many cases, even the strongest VA letter is not enough to sway the VA. In some cases, the decision makers within the VA might not find the letter and your additional evidence compelling. In other situations, they may make an error or misread the conclusion offered by the author. A simple misunderstanding might be enough to have your claim initially denied. 

It is also important to note that not every letter written by a doctor is going to be favorable. There are limits on what a medical professional is willing to put their name on. After all, a key aspect of an independent medical opinion for veterans is a professional belief that it is as likely as not that your condition is service-related. If they cannot reach that conclusion ethically, they will not come to that conclusion in their letter. Some cases are so complex that a physician is unable to reach a confident conclusion on the cause of your disability.

Reasons for a Denial

There are different reasons why a nexus letter might not lead to a favorable result. Some of these issues are avoidable with the right amount of preparation, while others might trip up your case despite your best efforts.

Lack of Service Connection

One of the most challenging aspects of securing VA benefits is proving that your disabling condition is related to your service. Proving this link requires various types of evidence, including letters from those you served with attesting to the event that caused your injury or illness. 

A VA nexus letter is arguably the most important part of your claim when it comes to determining a service connection. One of our medical experts could review your records and make the case that your condition was caused by your time in the military.

Missing Information

Some denials are based on relatively minor clerical errors, like the failure to complete a form. Any missing details regarding your prior medical history can lead to a claim being denied. It is vital to carefully review this documentation before it is submitted to the VA.

Lack of Medical Evidence

Another common reason for the VA to deny a claim is because of a supposed lack of medical evidence of your disabling condition. This issue is more likely to occur in some situations than others. For example, psychiatric issues can be more challenging to diagnose than acute injuries like spinal cord damage. Without the appropriate documentation from a medical professional, a claim could be rejected.

C&P Examination Issues

Many veterans will be required to submit to a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination. The results of these exams can influence the outcome of your case, so it is important to answer all questions and be transparent. Failure to attend an exam will typically result in the denial of your claim.

What If My Claim is Denied?

The denial of your claim does not have to be the end of your chances for compensation. If your claim is rejected by the VA, you have a few different paths to consider. In many cases, a veteran whose claim is initially denied will receive an award for benefits following an appeal. This is especially common for those who obtain a nexus letter following the denial.

If you initially submitted your claim without a nexus letter, filing a supplemental claim or new increased rating claim might be your best option. This appeal avenue allows you to provide additional documentation—including a nexus letter—in order for a different person within the VA to review your case. 

Alternatively, you could go through either the board appeal or higher-level review processes to have another chance at success. At this stage, you can ask for a review of suspected errors during the initial decision-making process. This might involve a failure to give proper weight or consideration to your nexus letter.

Seek Assistance with Your Claim – Call Elite Medical Review Associates Today

There is no question that the uncertainty surrounding the VA disability benefits process can be difficult to manage. It is natural to want certainty that your claim will be approved, but the reality is that nothing is certain. 

That said, our team is proud of our track record of success when it comes to helping veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. Our medical experts understand what goes into writing a strong VA nexus letter, and they can put that experience to work for you. Let Elite Medical Review Associates put you in the best position to succeed. Contact us right away to discuss a independent medical opinion.