What can I claim?
Injuries or health conditions that were caused by service or that were diagnosed while on active duty.
Will my claim be verified?
The Veteran Affairs (VA) will utilize the veteran’s in-service treatment records to verify that treatment was sought for all claimed conditions while on active duty.
What if my condition is not in my records?
- If a veteran wishes to file for a condition that is not documented in their in-service treatment record but believes the condition was caused by their service, they must provide a nexus letter from their doctor. A nexus letter supports the medical connection between a diagnosed condition/injury and military service and should be written by the veteran’s primary care physician
- A nexus letter is not required if the condition is a Veteran Affairs (VA) recognized presumptive due to a military toxic exposure. For more information on presumptive exposures, please visit: The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs
What is a nexus letter?
A nexus letter is a formal medical opinion from a qualified physician that establishes a connection between a veteran’s disability and their military service. It is essential for Veteran Affairs (VA) disability claims, as it helps demonstrate that an in-service event, injury, exposure, or disease caused or aggravated the veteran’s current condition.
Rationale for service connection should include evidence that supports that the current condition is more likely than not due to the veteran’s service.
Key Points to be Included:
- Statement of Evidence Review
- Identifying Information
- Introduction
- Diagnosis
- Rationale
- Professional Opinion on Disability Cause
- Credentials
- Physician’s Signature
What documentation do I need to file a Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation Claim?
- DD124
- Voided check or direct deposit slip from banking institution. This is necessary for compensation payments.
- Civilian medical records. This includes an official diagnosis for each condition and any condition-related documentation.
Work with a Veteran Services Officer (VSO).
- Schedule an appointment with a VSO, who will help you submit your claim to the VA.
- After your claim is submitted to the Veteran Affairs (VA) , you will be contacted by contracted medical facilities to schedule Compensation and Pension exams (C&P exams). These appointments verify the severity of each condition and typically take less than an hour each. *If an appointment is missed, the associated condition will be dropped from your claim.
- Once you have completed all scheduled C&P exams, the VA will continue to develop your claim until it is adjudicated. The average claim processing time from submission to completion is 6-10 months.
- Once your claim is finalized, you will receive a letter from the VA explaining your rating and associated compensation and benefits.
