Evidence checklist
The records that strengthen your nexus letter.
The checklist below gives you a helpful overview of what we will need. The more relevant documentation you gather and provide, the better. Every letter is personalized and specific to your individual case.
Client checklist
The process is simple.
Required documents
DD-214
Used to verify military service details (dates, primary specialty, etc.), as well as ensure your personal information is correct on your documents.
How to request your DD214 and military records
Request Your DD214 and Military Records
If you don't have a copy of your DD214, you can request it from the National Archives. You can also request your military personnel file and medical records from your time in service.
Follow these steps:
- 1Open the National Archives website: Visit Request Military Service Records.
- 2Start your request: Select "Start Request Online," then begin a new request.
- 3Verify your identity: Follow the prompts to sign in and verify your identity using ID.me.
- 4Enter your service information: Have your name used during service, branch, service dates, date and place of birth, and Social Security number or service number available.
- 5Choose the records you need:
- DD214 or equivalent separation documents: Request copies for all periods of service.
- Official Military Personnel File (OMPF): Request this if you also need your personnel records, including assignments, training, qualifications, and awards.
- Service Treatment Records (STRs): Request these specifically if you need medical records from your military service.
- 6Submit your request: Complete all required steps and save your confirmation or request number.
- 7Upload your DD214: Once you receive it, return to your secure client portal and upload it under the DD214 checklist item. Upload any other records under the appropriate checklist items.
Need your broader military file?
You can copy this wording into the request description:
"Please provide copies of my DD214 or equivalent separation documents for all periods of service, my complete Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), and all available service treatment records, including entrance and separation examinations. Please include records for all branches and periods in which I served."
Unable to request online?
Complete and sign Standard Form 180. Mail or fax it to the location listed in the form's instructions for your branch, separation date, and record type.
Another option:
Some veterans can access military personnel records through milConnect. Visit VA's military records guide to check eligibility based on your branch and discharge date.
Please note: Most basic requests for non-archival records are free. Processing times vary, and records may not be available for immediate download. Military service treatment records are separate from your VA Blue Button report.
Request DD214 & Military Records- 1
Current Combined VA Rating & Breakdown of Individual Service-Connected Conditions
Please provide proof of your current overall rating as well as the breakdown of your individual conditions. The breakdown is equally as important as the overall rating for the doctor reviewing your case. VA portal screenshots are acceptable.
VA Decision Letter(s)
Any VA decision letters relevant to the condition(s) you're trying to connect.
How to get your VA decision letters - and why we need them
Why We Need Your VA Decision Letters
If VA previously denied a condition you would like us to review, please upload the decision letter explaining that denial.
Your denial letter helps our medical team understand the specific reasons VA denied your claim. This allows the reviewing provider to consider whether those reasons involve medical issues that can be addressed in your medical evidence or opinion, when applicable and supported by your records.
Please upload the complete letter, including all pages of the attached rating decision - especially the "Reasons for Decision," evidence list, and favorable findings, if included. If you have multiple decisions for the same condition, please upload each one.
How to Download Your Decision Letters
- 1Sign in to VA.gov: Use your verified ID.me or Login.gov account.
- 2Open the claim status tool: Visit Check your VA claim or appeal status.
- 3Find the relevant claim: Open the completed claim, decision review, or appeal for the condition you want us to review.
- 4Find your decision letter: Look for an option to view or download your decision letter or claim letters. Button names may vary.
- 5Save the PDF: Download the complete document to your device.
- 6Upload it: Return to your secure client portal and upload the file under VA Decision Letters.
If Your Letter Is Not Available Online
You can upload a clear scan or photos of your mailed decision letter. Include every page and make sure the text is readable.
If you cannot locate your letter, call VA at 800-827-1000 to request assistance obtaining a copy.
First-time claim? If VA has not issued a decision for the condition you want reviewed, you will not have a denial letter for that condition.
Find My VA Decision Letters- 1
Relevant Medical Records
Any relevant civilian records, military records, and/or your VA Blue Button Report. You will only have a Blue Button Report if you received care through the VA.
How to download your Blue Button Report
Download Your VA Blue Button Report
Your VA Blue Button report lets you download your available VA medical records. Please include the full available date range and all record categories so our team has as much information as possible for your review.
- 1Sign in: Open My HealtheVet on VA.gov and sign in using your verified ID.me or Login.gov account.
- 2Open your medical records: Find the Medical records section.
- 3Find the download options: Look for "Download your medical records reports" and select "Go to download your medical records reports."
- 4Select your Blue Button report: Find "VA Blue Button report" and follow the prompts to select records and download your report.
- 5Include your full history: Choose "All time" or the widest available date range.
- 6Include all categories: Select all available record categories, including provider notes, diagnoses, medications, and test results.
- 7Download a PDF: Generate your report and save the PDF to your device.
- 8Upload your report: Return to your secure client portal and upload the PDF with your Relevant Medical Records.
Please note: Button names may vary as VA updates its website. The report may not include every historical record or records from private providers. Upload any additional medical records separately.
Open VA Medical RecordsPersonal Statement
A detailed statement on how you believe your condition(s) are connected to your military service (include symptoms, severity, frequency, timelines, etc.).
Tips for your personal statement
Your personal statement is your own account of your symptoms and how they connect to your military service. A strong statement covers what you experience, how often it happens, and when it began, in your own words.
Our personal statement tips walk you through what to include and how to organize it, so the statement supports the medical evidence in your file.
Read Our Personal Statement Tips
If applicable
Buddy Statement(s)
Statement(s) from family, friends, or fellow service members describing what they have personally observed.
Medication List
Prescription and/or over-the-counter medications, supplements, etc.
Before you write your required personal statement, read our personal statement tips.
Once you're a client, you get your own HIPAA-secure portal.
Every record you send us lives in that portal - your DD-214, treatment records, and personal statement stay private and protected from the moment you upload them.
- Encrypted in transit and at rest
- Never handled over unsecured email or text
- Private from the moment you upload
Records Checklist FAQs
Can I mail my records?
Yes. We recommend uploading your records through your client portal whenever possible. If you prefer to mail them, our team can scan them into your portal for you.
Please send copies only - keep your original documents. Because your records contain sensitive information, consider using a mailing service with tracking.
Patriot NEXUS LettersAttn: Records Department
685 Citadel Dr. E, Suite 472
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Can I fax my records?
Yes. Fax your records to 303-569-9003.
Please include a cover sheet with your full name, contact information, and the total number of pages. Double-check the fax number before sending and keep your transmission confirmation.
Do I need every document on the checklist?
Some checklist items may not apply to you. Upload the records you have and let our team know which documents are missing or do not apply. We can help clarify what is needed for your medical review.
Can I upload records in more than one session?
You can submit your records in batches. If you are still gathering documents or waiting for additional records, please let our team know.
Should I include records from private doctors?
Yes. Please include relevant records from providers outside VA, such as specialists, hospitals, urgent care clinics, and primary care providers. These records may contain information that is not included in your VA Blue Button report.
Which VA denial letters should I upload?
Please upload all decision letters related to the conditions you want us to review, including earlier denials and later decisions for those same conditions.
Include every page of the letter and any attached rating decision, especially the "Reasons for Decision," evidence list, and favorable findings, if included.
These documents help our medical team understand the specific reasons VA denied your claim. The reviewing provider can then determine whether medical issues can be addressed in your medical evidence or opinion, when applicable and supported by your records.
If VA has not issued a decision for the condition you want reviewed, you will not have a denial letter for that condition.
Can I submit photos of my records?
A PDF or clear scan is preferred. If you submit photos, make sure each page is well lit, readable, and shown in full. Include every page in order.
Should I send my original documents?
No. Please keep your originals and send copies. This includes your DD214, medical records, and VA decision letters.
What if I cannot find a record or need help uploading it?
Contact our team and tell us which document you need help with. We can help explain the checklist and direct you to the appropriate records request instructions.
What if I receive new records after submitting my documents?
Please submit the new records and notify our team, especially if your medical review is already underway. This helps us determine whether the new information needs to be considered.
Still have questions? Contact our team.
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