Nexus Letter for Secondary Conditions  

For veterans navigating the complexities of VA disability claims, understanding the importance of a nexus letter for secondary conditions is crucial. 

Nexus letters add a layer of credibility to your case and can help expedite the decision-making process.  

This article will explore the significance of nexus letters for secondary conditions, how to get a nexus letter, and when to file a VA claim.  

Nexus Letter for Secondary Conditions

A VA nexus letter for a secondary condition is a powerful tool to strengthen your case and often means the difference between a successful and unsuccessful claim.  

A nexus letter helps prove your secondary condition is caused or aggravated by your primary service-connected disability.  

In addition, nexus letters help the VA make informed decisions about your claim by explaining the relationship between your conditions.  

Do You Need a Nexus Letter for Secondary Conditions?

No, you don’t need a nexus letter for a secondary condition, nor does it guarantee a service connection.  

However, it’s highly recommended, especially for secondary conditions. To prove a secondary service connection, you must prove your new disability is “proximately due to’ or “aggravated by” your current service-connected disability.  

A nexus letter acts as a professional medical opinion explaining the link between your primary service-connected disability and your secondary condition, helping recognize the validity of your claim.  

Four Elements of Nexus Letters

A solid nexus letter has the following four essential elements: 

1. The physician’s credentials, particularly ones that make them a trustworthy source for the following opinion  

2. A reference indicates that the physician composing the letter has thoroughly reviewed the veteran’s medical and military records about the claim. 

3. The physician’s opinion regarding the cause of the current diagnosed condition and its relation to the veteran’s military service. 

4. Medical rationale that fully supports the physician’s opinion. 

While one nexus letter per VA claim is generally sufficient, you can submit multiple nexus letters from different physicians, especially if you have a more complex case. 

When To File for Secondary VA Conditions

You can begin filing a VA claim for secondary conditions once you have a medical diagnosis.  

If you don’t have a medical diagnosis for your secondary condition, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.  

Our medical team at Telemedica offers telemedicine examinations for initial medical diagnoses and confirmation or updated evaluations of 20 applicable conditions. 

Once you receive your medical diagnosis, you can submit an intent to file, establishing the day you become eligible for VA benefits.  

Cost of Nexus Letters for Secondary Conditions

The cost of a VA nexus letter for secondary conditions can vary based on several factors, including: 

• The complexity of your case 
• The level of expertise of the medical professional 
• The extent of the required medical records review   

Getting a nexus letter from your treating physician at no additional cost is possible, especially if you have a strong rapport with your healthcare provider.

However, there might be associated fees if a specialized opinion is needed, such as from a medical specialist.  

Related:

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Whether you need a nexus letter for secondary conditions or something else, we make it EASY for veterans to connect with a licensed provider through our HIPAA-compliant telemedicine platform—anytime, anywhere!  
 
From DBQs and Nexus Letters to Psych Evals and Telemedicine Evaluations, the Telemedica team is standing by to serve you. Get the evidence you need to win your VA claim today.  

Content Reviewed by: Tara Thompson, PA-C

Tara Thompson PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She completed her training through Chatham University, graduating with a Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies Degree in 2007. Her work experience has been diverse and includes first assist in all surgical specialties, Plastic Surgery and ENT clinical work, and Emergency Medicine. She served as a Physician Assistant in the US Army from 2009-2021, and has been an expert in medical evidence for VA disability claims since 2019.