What the Heck is a Nexus Letter?

A VA Nexus Letter is a written medical opinion from a qualified healthcare provider that explains the connection (“nexus”) between a veteran’s current medical condition and their military service. This letter is a critical piece of evidence in the VA disability claims process, especially when the link between service and the claimed condition is not immediately clear from service records alone.

The purpose of a VA Nexus Letter is to provide the VA with a clear, professional, and medically supported explanation of why a veteran’s condition is “at least as likely as not” related to their service. The letter should include a review of the veteran’s medical and service history, a discussion of relevant medical evidence, and a clear statement of the provider’s medical opinion regarding the relationship between service and the condition.

A well-written VA Nexus Letter can significantly strengthen a veteran’s disability claim by providing the necessary medical rationale to support service connection, especially in cases where the VA may otherwise deny the claim due to lack of direct evidence.