Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Nexus is defined as “the means of connection between things linked in series.” A “nexus letter” is a medical opinion prepared for a veteran claiming disability benefits. It explicitly connects the veteran’s current medical condition with an in-service event. To receive disability benefits from the VA, you need to show these three key points:
- You are eligible to receive benefits through your military service (honorable discharge, etc.),
- You have a diagnosis of a condition, and
- You have evidence that the diagnosed condition is linked to your military service.
A “nexus letter” should accomplish the third key point above, providing evidence of a connection between your military service and diagnosed condition. Just having a condition doesn’t warrant VA disability benefits. It MUST be connected, caused, or have been aggravated by your military service.
This is dependent upon what type of records you have already obtained and whether you can afford the initial and final payment. To provide a medical opinion, we MUST have all relevant records for review. If all records relevant to the conditions being claimed have been received, things will go much quicker. If documents need to be obtained, completion will be dependent upon the needed documents being received. Once all records have been obtained, and final payment is received, in most cases, we will be able to have the signed documentation to you within a few weeks. We strive to never go over 45 days from receipt of the final records or final payment being received, whichever is later.
Time frames may change based on case load, unforeseen circumstances, and/or emergencies.
After your original consult, if we believe we can assist, you will be provided a checklist of documents needed for your medical opinion. Your case manager will work with you to make sure every relevant record is received for review. Some of the documents that may be needed include, but are not limited to:
- DD214
- Claims File (C-File)
- VA Medical Records
- Private Medical Records
- X-rays or Imaging
- Lab Results
- VA Decision letters
- VA ratings schedule
- C&P Exam Report
What conditions are claimed; the stage of your claim; and whether conditions are already service-connected will largely dictate what documents are needed.
Nearly all conditions. We cannot provide the initial opinion for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or PTSD. However, in many instances we still recommend you obtain a medical opinion from our professionals for these conditions. The reason for this is medical professionals typically lend great weight to other medical professionals’ opinions. If the record includes a favorable examination report or opinion from our examiner, the VA examiner is more likely to agree with that report and provide a favorable opinion.
Our medical experts stand by their assessments and opinions. If additional or rebuttal statements are needed, our experts will review and advise if the additional requested information can be provided. The additional opinion rebuttal or statement will be provided for a nominal fee.
No, the VA will accept a nexus letter or exam from any licensed provider. We perform medical opinions for veterans all over the country.
A Compensation and Pension Exam, also referred to as a C&P Exam, is an exam performed by a VA, or VA contracted, medical provider. The purpose of the exam is to either request a medical opinion on a claimed condition and/or to document the current severity of a condition that is being considered for VA disability. It is always important to attend any scheduled C&P exam. There could be multiple C&P Exams scheduled with different providers. Vet Resource Group can help you prepare for these examinations.
DBQ stands for “Disability Benefits Questionnaire”. A DBQ is a medical examination form specific to the condition(s) being claimed. It is used to capture essential information for evaluating disability and/or pension claims. They can be anywhere from 3 to 15 pages in length, for each condition. How a doctor completes this form can determine how successful you are in obtaining a good disability rating from the VA. It is important to use a medical provider familiar with these forms.