• VA Claim Denied With Nexus Letter? 

    If you had a VA claim denied with nexus letter, you may wonder what went wrong. 

    While nexus letters aren’t required, they frequently help bridge the gap between an award and denial on your VA disability claim. However, they aren’t always the golden ticket to a winning claim. 

    Receiving a VA claim denial can be discouraging, but we’re here to help.

    Today, we’re covering reasons why your VA claim was denied with a nexus letter and your next steps. 

    VA CLAIM DENIED WITH NEXUS LETTER

    Why Was My VA Claim Denied With Nexus Letter?

    A Nexus Letter is a powerful tool in supporting a VA disability claim; however, not all nexus letters are created equally, and having one doesn’t guarantee an approved claim. 

    If you received a VA claim denied with a nexus letter, you should review the decision and ensure your nexus letter is listed in the evidence section. 

    Next, review the “Reasons for Decision” section to determine the VA’s rationale and reason(s) for the denial. 

    In addition, certain disabilities are more challenging to service connect than others, regardless of the amount of medical evidence you provide. 

    For example, many veterans have difficulty service connecting sleep apnea because it’s not always easy to prove your military service caused the condition. 

    Let’s examine why your VA claim was denied despite providing a nexus letter. 

    VA CLAIM DENIED WITH NEXUS LETTER 6 REASONS WHY

    VA Claim Denied With Nexus Letter: 6 Reasons Why

    1. Lack of credibility
    2. Conflicting evidence 
    3. Service connection not specified 
    4. Lack of specificity in nexus letter 
    5. Lack of current diagnosis 
    6. Human error on the VA’s side 

    Three Things Needed to Win a VA Claim 

    When reviewing your claim, the VA will look for the following three key aspects:

    1. A Current diagnosis
    2. Evidence of an in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation
    3. A nexus, or link, between the first two via competent medical evidence

    If one or more of these aspects are missing from your VA claim, you may end up with a denied claim, despite providing a nexus letter. 

    VA CLAIM DENIED WITH NEXUS LETTER NEXT STEPS

    What You Can Do Next 

    You don’t have to think of a denied claim as a closed door, especially if you believe you are entitled to benefits and compensation. 

    The following are potential next steps to getting the benefits you deserve. 

    File an Appeal 

    You have three decision review options If you disagree with the VA and the decision was dated on or after February 19, 2019. 

    1. File a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant information the VA didn’t consider before. 
    2. Request a Higher-Level Review if you believe there’s an error with the VA’s decision on your claim. 
    3. Request a Board Appeal if you want a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review your case. 

    Gather Additional Evidence

    You may need additional evidence to back your claim and bolster your case. When filing a VA claim, it’s always best to provide medical evidence with high probative value. 

    According to M21-1, Adjudication Procedures Manual, evidence has a high probative value if it:

    • Makes a matter material to the determination more or less likely, AND 
    • Has sufficient weight, either by itself or in combination with other evidence, to persuade the decision-maker about a fact. 

    It’s always best to find doctors who write nexus letters with a background in treating veterans and are familiar with the unique situations they bring. 

    VA NEXUS LETTER DOCTORS

    VA Claim Denied with Nexus Letter?

    Seek Additional Help 

    Our team at Telemedica can help provide you with a high-quality VA nexus letter in 48 hours or less. We offer Nexus Letters based on previous disability conditions related to:

    • Direct Service Connections
    • Secondary Service Connections 
    • Presumptive Service Connections 

    To help write you a winning nexus letter, we’ll need the following pieces of information:

    • DD214
    • Benefits Summary
    • Current diagnosis of medical condition 

    We also recommend providing the following:

    • Blue Button Report
    • Personal Statements
    • Buddy Letters
    • Medical Records 

    To Wrap Up

    While nexus letters can prove vital in winning a VA disability claim, they don’t always secure approval. If you feel stuck, we can help. 

    You can start the process of winning your VA claim by booking an appointment with one of the licensed providers at Telemedica. Contact us today! 

  • Are There Nexus Letter Doctors Near Me?

    A nexus letter proves a link between your condition and military service, and therefore, can be the “make it or break it” for your disability claim. 

    If you’ve asked yourself, “Are there Nexus Letter Doctors near me?” you’ve come to the right place. 

    It’s easier to find a nexus letter doctor near you than you might think, and we’ve laid it all out for you. 

    Let’s dive in. 

    Nexus Letter Doctors Near Me

    How to Find VA Nexus Letter Doctors Near Me 

    While “nexus letter doctor” isn’t a technical term, it’s crucial to find someone qualified to write a nexus letter for your VA disability claim. 

    The good news is that most licensed physicians can write a nexus letter for you; however, finding a qualified medical professional is essential.  

    You can check with your local VA medical center for recommendations on finding a nexus letter doctor. 

    If you already see a family doctor, you can ask them if they are qualified and have experience writing a VA nexus letter. 

    In addition, the team at Telemedica offers Nexus Letters based on previously diagnosed disability conditions related to:

    • Direct Service Connections
    • Secondary Service Conditions
    • Presumptive Service Conditions 

    Since it can be overwhelming to start from square one, we’ve outlined the top 5 tips for finding a nexus letter doctor near you.

    VA Nexus Letter Doctors Near Me

    5 Tips for Finding a Nexus Letter Doctor 

    Find a Licensed Provider 

    Generally, the VA will only accept a nexus letter from licensed healthcare providers, not professionals like acupuncturists and chiropractors. 

    When you contact a medical professional, ensure they are qualified to write a VA nexus letter. 

    Your time is valuable, and there’s no reason to waste it on someone who can’t help you get what you deserve. 

    You can check your doctor’s credentials online and verify their qualifications. 

    Find a Specialist With Experience in Your Condition

    While you can get a nexus letter from your family doctor, it’s always helpful to see a specialist who is an expert on your condition. 

    In addition, we highly recommend finding a doctor with experience writing VA nexus letters and knowledge of the VA disability claim system. 

    Seek Someone You Are Comfortable With 

    If you’re uncomfortable with your doctor, you’re less likely to be honest about your condition and its impact on your daily life. 

    If you have a family doctor, that’s a great starting point since they likely know you best, but you should ask if they have experience writing nexus letters. 

    In addition, ensure you ask upfront about any fees associated with obtaining a nexus letter. 

    Ask Fellow Veterans for Recommendations 

    If you know a veteran who recently received a nexus letter from a medical professional, ask them for more information, including their satisfaction level. 

    Asking a fellow veteran is especially helpful if this is the first time you’ve had to find a doctor. 

    It can be overwhelming with the long list of results when you search the web, so talking to someone with first-hand experience is a great start. 

    Don’t Hesitate to Seek a Second Opinion

    You should seek a second opinion if you don’t feel confident in your doctor’s nexus letter. 

    While a nexus letter doesn’t guarantee a favorable decision from the VA, you want to feel comfortable with the process. 

    Remember, the goal is to get you the disability and compensation you deserve and not to feel underserved. 

    doctors who write VA Nexus Letters near me

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Finding Nexus Letter Doctors 

    Can I Write My Own Nexus Letter?

    No, nexus letters must be written by a licensed medical professional to be accepted by the VA as part of the claims process. 

    However, you can write a VA statement in support of claim that details the facts and circumstances of your VA disability condition.  

    What Qualifications Does a Nexus Letter Doctor Have?

    Your doctor should be a licensed medical professional, preferably with knowledge of VA disability claims and a clear understanding of your medical history. 

    Do I Have to Pay for a Nexus Letter?

    Yes. In most cases, you must pay for a nexus letter, especially since you are likely visiting a private doctor. 

    The price can vary depending on the medical professional and the complexity of your situation. 

    Do VA Presumptive Conditions Require a Nexus Letter?

    VA presumptive conditions don’t typically require a nexus letter because the VA presumes your condition is linked to your military service. 

    The VA considers various conditions associated with the following as presumptive:

    • Burn pits
    • Agent Orange
    • Former prisoners of war
    • Atomic veterans
    • Gulf War syndrome
    • Gulf War infectious diseases
    Doctors who write veterans Nexus Letters

    Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

    Our mission at Telemedica is to provide innovative, quality care to the veteran community. Our standard of care applies to everything we do, including nexus letters. If you need a nexus letter for sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to reach out.

    A qualified provider will review your medical records and provide a comprehensive chart review summarizing your medical records and documents that may support your claim.

    Join the 20,000+ Veterans who have trusted Telemedica with their medical evidence needs—Book your Nexus Letter service today!

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    Sleep Apnea Nexus Letter

    In this post, we outline what you need to know about a Sleep Apnea Nexus Letter. We also explain how a nexus letter can be helpful and how veterans can get a nexus letter for sleep apnea.

    If you’re a veteran, getting treatment for service-connected sleep apnea starts by getting a VA rating for sleep apnea. One way to bolster your chances of winning your claim is with a high-quality sleep apnea nexus letter.

    What is a Sleep Apnea Nexus Letter?

    A sleep apnea nexus letter is a written statement from a qualified medical professional stating that, in their professional opinion, your sleep apnea is caused by an in-service event, injury, or illness.

    For the VA to validate your claim, they need to determine if your condition was caused or made worse by your military service. This is known as “service connection.”

    Proof of service connection is required for all VA claims and can be established by medical opinion or medical evidence. Nexus letters serve as a medical opinion.

    A nexus letter can provide a statement connecting any disability to your military service, not just sleep apnea.

    How To Get A Nexus Letter For Sleep Apnea

    The VA only accepts nexus letters written by licensed providers.

    It’s your responsibility to find a physician and request a nexus letter. The VA doesn’t identify qualified physicians or set up appointments specifically for nexus letters on your behalf like they do for C&P exams.

    The VA accepts nexus letters from both VA or VA-contracted physicians and private physicians as long as they are qualified to evaluate your condition. 

    But the question still remains, “How do I find a doctor who writes nexus letters?”

    The best way is through a service with a network of providers qualified to write a nexus letter for your specific disability. Telemedica is one such service that is qualified and able to assist.

    Do I Need a Sleep Apnea Nexus Letter?

    The VA does not require you to get a nexus letter. Service connection can be established in other ways, such as with the medical evidence in your files. If your sleep apnea was diagnosed while in service and is in your military medical records—you many not need a nexus letter.

    However, having a statement from a medical professional saying that your condition was caused or aggravated by your military service can really bolster your claim. The VA values the opinions of medical professionals, especially if they’re specialists in the field related to your condition.

    Here’s a simple litmus test to help determine if you should pursue a nexus letter:

    • If your disability was not diagnosed while in service or if it is not in your military medical records, then a nexus letter could benefit your VA claim.
    • Are you re-filing for a previously denied claim or filing for a secondary condition? Nexus letters can strengthen these types of claims.

    Elements of a Strong Nexus Letter

    What your nexus letter looks like will vary depending on the source. However, all good nexus letters have these four things:

    1. Supporting Evidence: Your provider should mention the medical and/or personnel records they’ve reviewed that are related to your claim.
    2. Evidence-based Rationale: Your provider should explain how your in-service event, injury, or disease caused your disability. They can refer to medical studies, case laws, or research journals to help show that their opinion is evidence-based.
    3. A Nexus Opinion: Your provider should provide a medical opinion as to how likely it is that your disability was caused or made worse by an in-service event, injury, or disease. The strength of their opinion will depend on the evidence. Make sure they use language like:
    • “Is due to” = 100% certain
    • “More likely than not” = greater than 50% certain
    • “At least as likely as not” = equal to 50% certain
    • “Not likely due to” = less than 50% certain
    • “Is not due to” = 0% chance

    Doctor’s Credentials: Make sure your provider signs and dates the letter and lists their title, specialty, and any other credential that proves they’re an expert.

    How the VA Rates Sleep Apnea

    Sleep apnea is rated by the VA at 0%, 30%, 50%, or 100%.

    VA sleep apnea rating chart.

    Figure 2. VA Sleep Apnea Rating Chart

    These rating percentages come from the Veteran Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).

    The VASRD is a list of diagnostic codes for every condition the VA rates. Listed with the codes are the symptoms of each condition and their respective rating percentage.

    The percentage the VA awards a disability depends on how negatively the symptoms affect your life. The more debilitating your sleep apnea symptoms, the higher your rating.

    Key Takeaways

    • A Sleep Apnea Nexus Letter is a statement from a medical professional that can help a veteran establish service connection.
    • The VA doesn’t require nexus letters, but they can help strengthen your claim.
    • The VA rates sleep apnea at 0%, 30%, 50%, or 100%.

    Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

    Our mission at Telemedica is to provide innovative, quality care to the veteran community. Our standard of care applies to everything we do, including nexus letters. If you need a nexus letter for sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to reach out.

    Book your free 20-minute Consultation Call now and a qualified provider will review your medical records and provide a comprehensive chart review summarizing your medical records and documents that may support your claim.

  • What is a Nexus Letter? (And How Much Do They Cost?)

    Many veterans applying for VA disability want to know: What is a nexus letter? This post explains what a nexus letter is, how much they cost, and offers veterans a way to obtain a nexus letter—fast.

    What is a Nexus Letter?

    A nexus letter is an evidence-based written document from a licensed medical provider that provides an opinion that an event, injury, or disease that occurred while you were in the military caused a chronic disability or medical condition. It is often the missing link between your military service and your current disability.

    With a nexus letter in hand, you possess a valuable resource that can help you get the VA rating you deserve.

    What is a nexus letter?

    Why Do Veterans Need a Nexus Letter?

    All VA claims need proof that something that happened during your military service caused or aggravated your current disability. This is called service connection and can be one of the hardest parts of any VA claim. A nexus letter can help make the connection. 

    Not all VA claims need a nexus letter for the claim to be approved. Here are three questions that can help you decide if you need one:

    1. Do you have a current diagnosis of a chronic disability that was initially diagnosed while you were in service and is it in your military medical records supported by medical evidence? If yes, you probably don’t need a nexus letter. 
    2. Are you filing for a secondary claim, or are you filing a claim that was previously denied based on not being service connected? If yes, you should consider getting a nexus letter.  
    3. Are you filing for a rating increase? If so, you don’t need a nexus letter since your claim has previously been approved. 

    Is a Nexus Letter Required For a VA Claim?

    A nexus letter is not required for a VA claim, and it doesn’t guarantee the VA will decide your condition is service-connected. Nevertheless, we highly recommend nexus letters because they can strengthen your VA claim.

    Nexus letters can be submitted at any time during the claim process. But we suggest submitting it right when you file because submitting evidence after filing a claim could potentially delay the process.

    How Do I Get a Nexus Letter?

    The VA only accepts nexus letters written by licensed providers. You may already know a licensed provider who could write your letter, but if you don’t, there are services with access to a network of expert providers who only focus on nexus letters for VA disability, such as Telemedica. 

    Telemedica is a veteran-focused telehealth platform. We offer no-appointment-needed medical nexus letter services that provide a comprehensive chart review with a quick turnaround time. Our services lead the industry because our providers know what the VA is looking for in a nexus letter. The majority of our providers are veterans, military spouses, previous C&P examiners, or have worked for the VA. They know the lingo and quirks of the VA system. 

    How Much Does a Nexus Letter Cost?

    There is no such thing as a free nexus letter, unfortunately. Crafting a thorough and accurate letter requires considerable effort, especially if you have a long medical record. How much a nexus letter costs highly depends on where you get it.  

    Nexus Letter Doctors Near Me

    You can get a nexus letter through Telemedica from anywhere worldwide. All you need is an internet connection. 

    Good Nexus Letter Example: 

    Nexus letters range widely depending on the source. However, all high-quality nexus letters have 4 key things:

    1. A discussion of supporting evidence. The medical provider should reference any medical or personal record they’ve reviewed that supports your claim.
    2. An evidence-based rationale. The provider writing your nexus letter must explain why they believe an in-service event, injury, or disease caused your disability. Referencing medical studies, case laws, or research journals will help show their opinion is evidence-based. 
    3. A nexus opinion. The provider’s opinion that your disability was caused by an in-service event, injury, or disease should be expressed in terms of likelihood. Typically, nexus letters include language like:
      1. “Is due to” = 100% certain
      2. “More likely than not” = greater than 50% certain
      3. “At least as likely as not” = equal to 50% certain
      4. “Not likely due to” = less than 50% certain
      5. “Is not due to” = 0% chance

    Preferably, the provider will use “is due to” or “more likely than not,” as these are the strongest. But the strength of their opinion will depend on the evidence.

    1. List of the doctor’s credentials. The provider must sign and date the letter and should also list their title, specialty, and any other credential that shows their expertise. 

    To Wrap Up

    If you need a nexus letter to provide that missing link between your disability and an in-service event, injury, or disease, Telemedica is here as your nexus letter expert. 

    We can connect you with a licensed provider who understands your unique needs through our secure, private, and convenient platform. Contact us today!

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    Nexus Letters for Veterans with Skin Conditions

    How to Get a Nexus Letter for VA-ratable skin conditions like Rosacea, Psoriasis, and Vitiligo

    When you think of getting help for service-related issues, your thoughts may immediately turn to PTSD or muscle pain. But the breadth of service-related issues reaches further than these commonalities. Even chronic skin conditions can be attributed to your service.

    If you think your chronic skin condition may result from your time in the military, let’s talk about how to get help with a VA Nexus letter.

    Get a Nexus Letter for your skin conditions

    Nexus Letters for Veterans with Skin Conditions

    The Link Between Service & Chronic Skin Conditions

    Nexus Letter

    Certain events during your service may have led to your current chronic skin condition. Chemical exposure can lead your skin to absorb the toxin into your body, causing health hazards, including chronic skin conditions. 

    Meanwhile, chronic stress from service-related anxiety or PTSD can also exacerbate skin ailments.

    Man scratching itching arm.

    There are several skin conditions common among Veterans, including:

    • Rosacea: Characterized by a large collection of small red bumps on your cheeks and around your face. It may also create small, pus-filled blisters. Rosacea tends to flare up for a few weeks to a few months and can disappear on its own, though it often returns.
    • Psoriasis: An immune-mediated disease that produces a scaly rash anywhere on your body. This happens when your immune system accelerates skin cell growth without telling your body to shed your existing skin, leading to a build-up of excess skin.
    • Vitiligo: A pigmentation disorder where patients see small or large patches of skin slowly lose color. While vitiligo may be triggered by genetics or an autoimmune disorder, intense stress or trauma to your skin can also cause the condition.

    Getting a Skin Condition Diagnosis Can Help

    Many people with these types of skin conditions may not feel compelled to seek a diagnosis or treatment. However, a diagnosis for your chronic skin condition is the first step toward living more comfortably within your own skin. A doctor can reveal what treatment options are available to you and what you can do in your day-to-day life to better manage the symptoms.

    Diagnosing skin conditions is a relatively simple process. Most doctors only need to look at the affected area to get a good idea of what the condition is. They’ll also ask for your medical history, possible allergic reactions that might be causing the condition, and other skin-affecting problems.

    In some cases, your doctor may have to perform a skin biopsy or culture test to diagnose more complicated or nuanced conditions. You are then educated on next steps and optional treatments.

    Why You Should Get a Nexus Letter for Your Skin Condition

    Nexus Letter

    Nexus Letter is a document that makes the case that your condition is related to either direct, secondary, or presumptive service connections.

    The Nexus letter can then be added to your VA claims file, which makes it much easier for Veterans to win their claim for medical compensation from your VA disabilty benefits. 

    Woman Scratching an itch on white background . Sensitive Skin, Food allergy symptoms, Irritation. People scratch the itch with hand, Arm, itching, Concept with Healthcare And Medicine.

    Benefits of Connecting with Veteran-Friendly Doctors

    Mental Health

    Every doctor should be sympathetic toward Veterans and the medical conditions they carry from their service. However, connecting with medical providers who have experience working with Veterans can help clients obtain a timely, professional, and positive resolution.

    Telemedica’s network of medical professionals all have extensive experience helping Veterans obtain accurate and professional medical evidence. And with doctors licensed all across the US, you’re able to connect with a Veteran-friendly doctor near you, via telehealth appointment.

    Take Back Control of Your Skin Condition

    If you’re dealing with skin conditions as a result of your service, contact us today to talk to a member of our Customer Service team about getting started on your path to wellbeing.

    To get help with your VA Nexus letter, Telemedica will match you with a medical professional qualified to diagnose your skin condition (or any other service-related condition). Once the provider has conducted a thorough review of your medical documents and related evidence (through what we call a chart review), they can draft a Nexus letter asserting the service connection to your condition, if warranted.