You’re here because you’re wondering how to find high-quality doctors that write Nexus Letters near you.
What’s the bottom line?
Not all Nexus Letters are of the same quality or receive the same probative value consideration by the VA.
The weight given to a Nexus Letter depends on its content, the qualifications of the medical professional who wrote it, and the thoroughness of the evidence-based rationale provided.
- A poorly written Nexus Letter can hurt your VA claim.
- A mediocre Nexus Letter won’t hurt or help your VA claim.
- A well-written Nexus Letter can be a game-changer, significantly increasing your chances of achieving service-connection and obtaining the VA disability benefits you deserve.
Okay, so how do I find good Nexus Letter doctors?
That’s exactly what we’ll answer in this high-value blog post from VA disability expert, Brian Reese.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Finding High-Quality Doctors: Not all Nexus Letters are of the same quality or probative value. The effectiveness of a Nexus Letter depends on the content, the credentials of the medical professional, and the thoroughness of the evidence-based rationale.
- Impact of Nexus Letters: A poorly written Nexus Letter can harm your VA claim, while a well-written one can significantly increase your chances of achieving service connection and obtaining VA disability benefits. Note: a Nexus Letter does not guarantee approval of your VA disability claim.
- Steps to Find a Nexus Letter Doctor: Includes conducting online searches, reading reviews and testimonials, booking free consultations, scheduling your appointment, reviewing the letter draft, and submitting the final Nexus Letter with your VA claim.
- Cost and Expertise: Nexus Letters typically cost around $1,500. Specialists like Psychiatrists or Cardiologists can add credibility, though Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants can also write effective Nexus Letters.
6-Step Process to Find Doctors Who Write Nexus Letters for Veterans
Here’s a simple process to find the right Nexus Letter doctor, obtain a high-quality Nexus Letter, and submit it to the VA:
Step #1: Search Online for VA Nexus Letters
Start with a simple Google search for “VA Nexus Letters.”
This will give you a variety of providers who offer Nexus Letter services for VA disability claims.
Step #2: Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Research the specific doctor or company offering Nexus Letter services.
Reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality, timeliness, and pricing of their services.
Additionally, checking online message boards like Quora and Reddit can offer candid feedback from other veterans about their experiences with these providers.
Step #3: Submit an Online Inquiry or Book a Free Consultation
Many Nexus Letter doctors offer a free consultation or the opportunity to submit an online inquiry before making any commitments.
This step helps clarify if they can meet your needs.
Step #4: Book Your Appointment
After deciding on a provider, book your appointment.
Gather all relevant medical and military records for the doctor’s review.
Many providers charge a records review fee to determine if they can assist you before proceeding with the full Nexus Letter service.
Step #5: Nexus Letter Review, Approval, and Delivery
A reputable Nexus Letter doctor will provide a draft for your review before finalizing the document.
Ensure the letter accurately reflects your medical condition and service history.
Step #6: Submit Your Nexus Letter With Your VA Claim
Once you have obtained and reviewed your Nexus Letter, submit it as part of your VA disability claim.
Ensure all supporting documents, such as medical records and service treatment records, are included.
This comprehensive submission helps establish a strong case for service connection and enhances the likelihood of a favorable decision from the VA.
Do I Need an In-Person Appointment to Get a Nexus Letter?
No, an in-person appointment is not necessary to get a Nexus Letter.
Telehealth technologies allow Nexus Letters to be completed remotely.
For example, an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) for Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD can be done through a records-only review, without a physical examination.
An independent psychological evaluation for VA disability benefits can be completed in-person or via video appointment.
Is a Telehealth Appointment as Valid as an In-Person Appointment for a Nexus Letter?
Yes, a telehealth appointment is just as valid as an in-person appointment for obtaining a Nexus Letter.
The key is that the healthcare professional has access to your complete medical history and can provide a thorough evaluation.
While Nexus Letters can be completed via telehealth or records-only review, some DBQs do require an in-person examination.
Does Having a Specialist Write My Nexus Letter Help?
Yes, having a medical specialist write your Nexus Letter can be beneficial.
For example, a Psychiatrist writing a letter for a PTSD claim or a Cardiologist for a heart condition can lend more credibility to your claim.
Specialists possess in-depth knowledge of specific medical conditions, enabling them to provide a more detailed and authoritative medical rationale.
While Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) can also write effective Nexus Letters, the expertise of a specialist can add weight to the evidence, potentially strengthening your VA disability claim.
For example, VA regulations specify several factors when evaluating the probative value of medical evidence, such as a diagnosis or a medical opinion on etiology/onset:
- Physician’s qualifications to include his/her expertise/specialty, and experience.
- Physician’s knowledge of the relevant history to include the accuracy or validity of history provided by the patient or examinee, review of records and other evidence, or length of time the physician has treated the veteran.
- Context in which the medical evidence was created: Treatment, or substantiation of a medical disability claim.
- Reasoning employed by the physician: Theory, observation, practice, clinical testing, subjective report, and conjecture.
- Degree of specificity and the degree of certainty.
Do I Have to Pay for a Nexus Letter for My VA Claim?
Yes, you need to pay a fee because high-quality Nexus Letters aren’t free.
You’re paying for the doctor’s time, expertise, and credentials.
While it’s possible to have your own doctor write a Nexus Letter for free, be cautious.
If the medical professional writing the Nexus Letter is not experienced in VA disability claims, regardless of their credentials, they might miss crucial elements, which could weaken your evidence and hurt your chances of approval.
How Much Is a Nexus Letter Right Now?
As of 2024-2025, a Nexus Letter from a VA disability medical evidence expert typically costs around $1,500.
Prices can vary, with some providers charging less and others more.
Remember, quality is essential; sometimes, you get what you pay for, so choose your Nexus Letter provider carefully.
Can I Write My Own Nexus Letter for a VA Disability Claim?
No, you cannot write your own Nexus Letter for VA disability benefits.
A Nexus Letter must be written by a licensed healthcare professional, such as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Physician’s Assistant (PA), or Medical Doctor (MD).
These professionals provide an independent and expert medical opinion that is crucial evidence for your VA disability claim.
The letter needs to be an unbiased medical assessment of your condition, linking it to your military service or another service-connected condition.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Nexus Letter?
The time frame for obtaining a Nexus Letter can vary.
Generally, it takes between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the doctor’s schedule and the complexity of the review required.
Some providers offer the option to pay extra for rush delivery.
It’s advisable to plan ahead and allow sufficient time before submitting your claim.
What If My Paid Nexus Letter Is Not Accepted by the VA?
Sometimes a bad C&P examiner will offer a negative medical opinion and state that your condition is “less likely than not” due to your military service or another service-connected disability.
Remember this: according to VA regulations, there is no prohibition against fee-based examiners or fee-based medical evidence.
If you included a well written paid Nexus Letter with your VA claim, and the VA denied it, you should file a VA higher level review and get a second opinion from a more senior VA claims adjudicator.
Can a Nexus Letter Be Used for Appealing a Denied VA Claim?
Absolutely.
A well-drafted Nexus Letter can be a crucial piece of new evidence when appealing a denied VA claim.
It can help bridge any gaps in evidence and provide the medical link needed for service connection.
Do I Need a Nexus Letter for a Secondary Claim?
Yes, a Nexus Letter is often crucial for secondary claims.
A secondary claim involves linking a new condition to an already service-connected disability.
The Nexus Letter serves as medical evidence to establish this connection, demonstrating that the secondary condition is “proximately due to” or “aggravated by” the primary service-connected condition.
Without a Nexus Letter, it can be challenging to prove this between condition A and condition B.
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
