What to Know if Your VA Claim was Denied for Not Being Service Connected

Receiving a denial letter stating that your VA claim has been denied because your condition is not service connected can feel like a frustrating setback. However, it’s often a matter of missing or insufficient medical evidence. 

When the VA denies a claim because the condition isn’t linked to service, they’re telling you the medical proof wasn’t strong enough to establish service connection. Understanding the critical role of medical evidence is key to overcoming a VA disability claim denial.  

This guide breaks down why medical documentation matters most, common reasons for denial, and proven steps to strengthen your case if your VA claim has been denied. 

Key Takeaways

• Medical evidence is the foundation of every successful VA disability claim; without it, even a clear in-service injury won’t establish service connection. 

• The #1 reason the VA denies claims as not service-connected is lack of a clear medical nexus. 

• A strong nexus letter from a qualified doctor can turn a denial into an approval when submitted as new evidence. 

• Presumptive conditions still require current medical diagnoses, even if the nexus is assumed. 

• Gathering private medical records, DBQs, and independent medical opinions dramatically increases approval chances after a VA disability claim denial.

Proving Service Connection: Why Medical Evidence is Everything

The VA requires three elements for primary service connection, and two of them depend entirely on medical evidence: 

1. Current disability: You must have a current medical diagnosis documented in your medical records. 

2. In-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation: This can be supported by service records, treatment records, lay or personal statements. 

3. Nexus (medical link): This is where most claims fail. The VA needs medical evidence showing your current disability is “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by service. (e.g., a credible Nexus Letter) 

Without solid medical documentation, the VA has no choice but to deny your claim. Even service connection for VA presumptive conditions (burn pits, Gulf War) still require a current medical diagnosis.

Note: The presumption doesn’t remove the nexus requirement; it concedes the link if the criteria are met and no other cause is shown, but it does not remove the need for medical proof of the disability itself.

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?   

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims!  

Schedule your 20-minute consultation, get answers for your service-connected disability, and start on your path to well-being.  

Get your high-quality medical evidence from the medical evidence experts!

Can The VA Deny a Presumptive Disability?

Yes, the VA can and does deny presumptive conditions. The presumption removes the need to prove the nexus (link to service), but you still must prove that you have a current diagnosis that matches the presumptive list and that you served in the qualifying location and time period (e.g., Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975, for Agent Orange, Gulf War from Aug. 2, 1990, to present for undiagnosed illness, or PACT Act burn-pit exposure zones). 

Common denial reasons for presumptive claims: 

• No current formal medical diagnosis in your records. 

• Current diagnosis doesn’t exactly match the presumptive list (e.g., “chronic fatigue” instead of chronic fatigue syndrome). 

• Service location/time not verified in your DD-214 or personnel file. 

• Condition manifested too late (certain presumptive conditions have time limits). 

Proving Secondary Service Connection

Secondary service connection allows veterans to claim disabilities that are caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition, even if the secondary issue did not originate during military service. For example, service-connected knee pain may lead to back issues due to altered gait, or chronic pain could cause secondary depression. 

To prove secondary service connection, the VA requires three elements, with medical evidence at the core: 

• Current medical diagnosis: A documented current diagnosis of a secondary condition (e.g., lumbar strain). 

• Service-connected primary condition: Already established and rated by the VA (e.g., right knee arthritis at 10%). 

• Nexus: Medical proof that the primary condition “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated the secondary one beyond its natural progression. 

Pro Tip: VA claims for secondary service connection often fail without a strong nexus letter from a qualified doctor explicitly linking it to the primary condition. A credible Nexus Letter is highly recommended for establishing secondary service connection.

When appealing a secondary service connection denial, you can submit a Supplemental Claim with a medical nexus letter, updated records, a completed DBQ for the secondary condition, and any functional impact notes. Private medical opinions tend to carry more weight than brief C&P exams. 

VA Claim Denied Not Service Connected? 10 Common Reasons

1. No current medical diagnosis: It’s critical to have a current medical diagnosis; symptoms alone (without a formal diagnosis) will lead to a VA claim denial.

2. Missing a credible nexus letter or medical opinion: This is the primary reason VA claims are denied as not service connected. 

3. Unfavorable C&P exam: Examiner found no medical link based on incomplete records. Related: How Much Weight Does a C&P Exam Have?

4. Private treatment records never submitted: VA only reviews what you provide or what they request. 

5. Outdated or incomplete medical records: Gaps in treatment history raise doubts. 

6. No Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ): DBQs provide the exact medical evidence raters need by reporting your severity of symptoms using terminology the VA understands. Related: What is a VA DBQ?

7. Pre-existing condition not shown to be aggravated: Requires medical evidence of worsening beyond natural progression. 

8. Secondary conditions without medical linkage: Knee pain causing back issues needs a doctor’s statement or credible Nexus Letter.

9. Mental health claims without PTSD stressor verification or current diagnosis: Requires specific medical documentation. 

10. Failure to submit new private medical evidence after a claim denial: Repeating the same file virtually guarantees another denial. 

How to Overcome a VA Claim Denial? Focus on Stronger Medical Evidence

There are three appeal options when your VA disability claim has been denied, and each one serves a different purpose.  

It’s important to remember that there’s a one-year deadline to file an appeal. If you miss that deadline, you can still file a new claim, but you lose the original effective date (which could cost thousands in back pay). Always file within one year to protect your earliest possible payment start date. 

Supplemental Claim

If you didn’t have enough medical evidence and need to submit new and relevant documentation, then the fastest way to reverse a VA disability claim denied for lack of service connection is through a Supplemental Claim. Here’s exactly what to gather: 

• Private nexus letter: A board-certified doctor reviews your records and states, “It is at least as likely as not that the veteran’s current [condition] was caused by [in-service event].” This single document can be pivotal in overturning a denial. 

• Updated treatment records: Any new diagnoses, test results, or progress notes since the denial. 

• Completed DBQ: Have your doctor fill out the exact DBQ for your condition. 

• Independent Medical Examination (IME) or Independent Medical Opinion (IMO): Paid exams specifically for VA claims often carry more weight than brief C&P exams. 

• Functional impact statements: Medical notes describing how your condition affects your quality of life are critical for rating percentage. 

File everything with VA Form 20-0995 (Supplemental Claim) within one year to protect your earliest effective date.  

Pro Tip: Don’t rely solely on VA medical records. Private providers often document limitations and connections the VA system misses. 

Higher-Level Review

A Higher-Level Review (HLR) is your best option if you think there was an error or if you want a second opinion on your claim. You won’t be able to include additional documentation or medical evidence.  

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

If you don’t agree with the decision on your Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review, you can appeal to a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You can choose:  

• A direct review considers the claim as-is with no additional documentation or medical evidence, 

• An evidence submission review considers new and previously submitted evidence, or 

• A hearing, which allows you to submit new evidence but doesn’t require it. 

The wait time on this appeal is generally the longest, and often the last recommended option to pursue.

Get the Medical Evidence You Need—FAST

It’s possible to get the medical evidence you need for your VA claim from anywhere in the country—no waiting rooms or travel required. 

Through Telemedica’s nationwide telehealth services, veterans can meet with qualified medical professionals online to get nexus letters, DBQs, independent medical opinions, and more from the comfort of home. 

All you need is an internet connection to connect with the medical evidence experts who help veterans strengthen their VA claims every day. 

Conclusion

When your VA claim is denied as not service connected, the message is clear: The medical evidence wasn’t there. The good news is that you have options. By obtaining a current diagnosis, treatment records, and a strong medical nexus opinion from a qualified physician, you can turn a denial into an approval.  

Don’t resubmit the same file. Build a medical evidence package that leaves no doubt about service connection. 

Need medical evidence to strengthen your VA claim?

Connect with Telemedica’s nationwide telehealth team and get started today.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

Why is medical evidence so important for VA claims?

The VA is legally required to base decisions on medical facts, not just your word. Without medical documentation of current diagnosis and medical nexus, claims must be denied. 

Can I win my appeal without new medical evidence?

Rarely, unless the VA has made a mistake on the initial decision. Higher-Level Review uses only existing evidence. Supplemental Claims with new and relevant medical proof have the highest success rate. 

How do I get a nexus letter after my VA claim was denied?

Schedule with a private specialist familiar with VA claims. Provide all service records, current treatment notes, and a cover letter explaining the denial reason. 

Are VA doctors allowed to write nexus letters?

VA providers are discouraged from writing nexus opinions for compensation claims. Private physicians are your best source. 

How long does new medical evidence take to work?

As of September 2025, Supplemental Claims with strong new and relevant medical evidence are often decided in about 74 days. 

If a VA claim is denied, can I reapply?

Yes, you can absolutely “reapply” after a VA claim is denied, but the VA doesn’t call it reapplying; they call it an appeal. You have one year from the date on your denial letter to file a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or an Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. If you miss the one-year deadline, you can file a new claim, but you lose the original effective date. 

How is a VA claim for tinnitus denied?

The VA denies tinnitus claims for these main reasons: you don’t have a current diagnosis, the in-service event has not been established, the C&P examiner says it’s “less likely than not” related to your service, or you’ve filed tinnitus as a secondary condition but the primary condition hasn’t been rated as service connected. You can file a Supplemental Claim once those issues have been addressed.