Many veterans are told they “need” a nexus letter before filing a VA disability claim. Others believe the VA will automatically gather everything necessary to approve their case. The truth is more nuanced.
Yes, you can file a VA disability claim without a nexus letter. However, whether you should depends on the strength of your evidence and the specifics of your situation.
To understand why, it helps to first understand how the VA evaluates service connection.
What Is a Nexus Letter?
A nexus letter is a medical opinion that links your current medical condition to your military service.
To approve a disability claim, the VA generally requires three elements:
- A current diagnosed disability
- Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or illness
- A medical link or “nexus” between the two
The nexus is often the most disputed part of a claim.
A nexus letter is typically written by a qualified medical professional who reviews your records and provides an opinion stating that your condition is “at least as likely as not” related to your service. That specific phrase is important because it reflects the VA’s legal standard of proof.
That said, a nexus letter is just one way to establish this connection.
Is a Nexus Letter Required to File a Claim?
No. The VA does not require a nexus letter to submit a disability claim.
Veterans can file a claim using:
- Service treatment records
- VA or private medical records
- Personal statements
- Supporting lay statements
In many cases, the VA will schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. During that exam, a VA-appointed medical provider evaluates your condition and may offer the medical opinion needed to approve or deny the claim.
For some veterans, this process works smoothly, particularly when service records clearly document the condition.
But not all claims are that straightforward.
When You May Not Need a Nexus Letter
There are certain situations where a separate nexus letter may not be necessary.
You may not need one if:
- Your service treatment records clearly show the diagnosis or treatment of the condition during active duty
- You have consistent medical documentation showing continued symptoms after discharge
- Your condition qualifies under a presumptive service connection category
- You are filing for an increased rating for a condition that is already service-connected
In these cases, the VA may be able to establish the connection without an additional medical opinion from a private provider.
When a Nexus Letter Can Strengthen Your Case
In more complex claims, a nexus letter can significantly improve your chances of approval.
For example:
- Your condition was diagnosed years after discharge
- There are gaps in your medical treatment history
- You are filing for secondary service connection
- Your claim was previously denied for lack of service connection
Secondary conditions often require a clear medical explanation. If a service-connected knee injury led to chronic back pain, sleep issues, or depression, a medical provider must explain how one condition caused or aggravated the other.
Similarly, if the VA previously denied your claim because it found no link to service, a well-supported nexus opinion can directly address that issue during an appeal or supplemental claim.
Risks of Filing Without One
Relying solely on a C&P examiner carries some risk. If the examiner provides a negative opinion, the VA may give that opinion substantial weight.
This can lead to:
- A denied claim
- The need to file a supplemental claim
- A lengthy appeal process
- Additional delays and frustration
While some claims succeed without a nexus letter, others are denied because the connection was not clearly established from the beginning.
Strengthening your file before submission can sometimes prevent months or even years of additional litigation.
What Makes a Strong Nexus Opinion?
A persuasive nexus opinion should do more than offer a simple conclusion. It should:
- Written by a qualified medical professional
- Reflect review of relevant service and medical records
- Use language consistent with VA standards
- Clearly explain the medical reasoning behind the opinion
Unsupported or vague statements often carry little weight in the VA system.
Contact Ryan Coskrey Law Today
If you have questions about filing a VA disability claim or if your claim has been denied, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Proving service connection can be complicated, especially when medical evidence is disputed.
Ryan Coskrey Law focuses on helping veterans pursue the benefits they have earned through their service. Whether you need guidance before filing or representation on appeal, experienced legal support can make a difference.
Contact Ryan Coskrey to discuss your case or request a consultation.