For many veterans, securing a fair VA disability rating can be a challenging process. Even after receiving an initial rating, you may find that your condition has worsened or that the VA did not fully recognize the severity of your service-connected disabilities. In these situations, a Nexus letter can be a powerful tool to help you increase your VA disability rating and receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What is a Nexus Letter?
A Nexus letter is a medical opinion from a qualified doctor that links a veteran’s disability to their military service. This letter provides critical evidence that supports a claim for service connection, an increased disability rating, or secondary conditions related to an already service-connected disability.
A strong Nexus letter should:
✅ Be written by a licensed medical professional familiar with VA claims
✅ Clearly state the veteran’s diagnosis and medical history
✅ Provide a direct medical opinion linking the condition to military service
✅ Use VA-recognized language such as “more likely than not” or “at least as likely as not”
How a Nexus Letter Can Help Increase Your VA Disability Rating
If you already have a service-connected disability but feel that your rating does not accurately reflect your condition, a Nexus letter can help support a claim for an increased rating. Here’s how:
- Demonstrates Worsening Symptoms
- The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of symptoms. If your condition has worsened, a Nexus letter can provide medical evidence that supports an increased rating.
- Connects Secondary Conditions
- Many veterans develop secondary conditions linked to their primary disability. For example, sleep apnea may be secondary to PTSD or chronic pain may stem from a service-connected back injury. A Nexus letter can establish this connection and lead to additional compensation.
- Corrects VA Rating Errors
- In some cases, the VA may underrate a disability due to insufficient evidence. A well-documented Nexus letter from a credible medical professional can provide the necessary proof to justify a higher rating.
- Supports Appeals for Denied or Low-Rated Claims
- If your claim was denied or rated too low, a Nexus letter can strengthen your appeal by offering medical justification for an increased rating.
Real-World Example
Consider a veteran who has a 10% rating for knee pain but experiences severe mobility issues, chronic pain, and limited range of motion. A VA examiner may not have fully recognized the extent of the condition, resulting in an underrated disability. However, a Nexus letter from an orthopedic specialist stating that the condition has significantly worsened and now meets the criteria for a 30% rating could lead to an approved increase.
Why You Should Get a Professional Nexus Letter
The VA places significant weight on medical evidence when determining disability ratings. A well-crafted Nexus letter from a qualified medical professional can make the difference between an underrated claim and getting the benefits you deserve.
At Patriot NEXUS Letters, we specialize in providing thorough, professional, and compelling Nexus letters to help veterans maximize their VA disability benefits.
📢 Need a Nexus Letter? Contact us today to strengthen your claim and secure the rating increase you deserve!
