Nexus Letters
Lacking Medical Records
Never went to sick call while on active duty service? Unfortunately, this is an all too common theme among veterans.
Military culture often pushes service members to tough things out. Going to sick call can feel like letting the team down, being placed on a profile, or being seen as someone who can’t keep up. When your unit is training, deploying, and pushing forward, the last thing anyone wants is to be the one sitting out.
Because of that pressure, a lot of injuries and illnesses that happened during service were never documented at the time. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of options. At Warrior Advocates, we help veterans understand how the VA looks at these situations and what steps can still be taken to build a strong case moving forward.
Creating a Nexus
The most common reason VA disability claims are denied is simple: the VA can’t clearly see the connection between the medical condition and military service.
When an injury or illness wasn’t documented while you were on active duty, there may be no official record showing it happened during service. Later, when a veteran applies for benefits, the VA reviewer may deny the claim because they can’t determine whether the condition was caused by, or made worse by, military service.
Under the law, there are three key elements that must be established for the VA to grant a favorable decision. Understanding these elements, and how to properly document them,can make the difference between a denied claim and one that moves forward.
1. The veteran must have a current diagnosis of an existing disease or medical condition.
2. An event in active duty service that could have caused or aggravated the disease or medical condition, also known as the "stressor".
3. A medical opinion linking or "connecting" number 1 and number 2.
Nexus Letters
These letters aren’t required in every case, but when they are needed, they can make a meaningful difference. A well-prepared letter can strengthen your claim and significantly improve the likelihood of a favorable decision from the VA.
When you work with Warrior Advocates, you’ll be paired with a Veteran Coach who will walk you through this in plain terms. They’ll explain when these letters are helpful, why they matter, and how they can support the evidence in your claim so your case is as strong as it can be.
