A nexus letter generally refers to a clinician’s opinion about a possible connection between a health condition and military service. VA’s evidence guide explains that medical records or a medical opinion commonly help support a link, and that evidence requirements depend on the claim. A personal statement and a medical opinion have different authors and purposes.
What you can prepare yourself
You can organize what you remember, the records you hold, and the questions you want answered. Our free nexus letter preparation tool turns those entries into a patient-prepared packet and an editable request to discuss with a clinician. It does not determine a diagnosis or medical connection.
- Your concern: describe the issue in your words. If you mention a recorded diagnosis, identify its source instead of presenting a guess as a finding.
- Your history: record the events and timing you recall. Include uncertainty and relevant circumstances outside service.
- A records index: list document titles, dates, and where you keep the originals. Keep the actual records in the secure process your clinician uses.
- Open questions: note gaps, differences between memory and records, and what you would like the clinician to assess.
A neutral request you can adapt
“I would like to discuss whether evaluating a possible connection between my health concern and military service is appropriate. I have prepared my own timeline and a list of records. Please review the original information and let me know whether you can provide an independent opinion, need more information, or recommend a referral.”
This is request wording, not evidence of a connection. Edit it to reflect what you actually want to ask. The tool does not add a favorable probability statement, clinical reasoning, medical literature argument, or professional signature.
What belongs to the clinician
The clinician decides what evaluation is appropriate and whether the available information supports an opinion. They independently document any findings, reasoning, limits, and signature. Ask the office about its services, fees, records process, and whether it can address your question before arranging an appointment.
VA’s private medical evidence guidance is a useful starting point for discussing records with your provider. For what your particular claim or notice requires, contact an accredited representative.
Keep the preparation packet and medical opinion separate
Your packet is your account. A clinician’s completed opinion is a separate professional document. Keep both originals; ask the clinician about factual corrections rather than editing a signed clinical document yourself. Our website does not send either document to VA.
Build a free preparation packet without signing up, or start a saved nexus preparation project to return to your answers and download a reviewed PDF or Word copy. If you are arranging a questionnaire appointment, read our DBQ preparation guide.
Sources & further reading
- Evidence needed for your disability claim
- Private medical evidence and DBQs
- Find a VA-accredited representative
Check the linked official sources for current requirements. This guide is educational and does not determine eligibility.