A nexus letter is a medical opinion written by a licensed physician linking your current condition to your military service — one of the strongest pieces of evidence in a VA disability claim. We help you find accredited providers who write them.
A nexus letter is a written medical opinion from a licensed physician that establishes a connection ("nexus") between a veteran's current diagnosed condition and their military service. VA rating decisions often turn on whether this connection has been adequately documented.
The VA requires that the medical evidence show the condition is "at least as likely as not" (50% or greater probability) related to service. A well-written nexus letter from a qualified provider addresses this exact standard, cites the veteran's medical records, and includes the physician's rationale and credentials.
Learn more: The Complete Guide to VA Nexus Letters
These providers specialize in independent medical opinions (IMOs) and nexus letters for VA disability claims. claim.vet may earn a referral fee if you connect with a listed provider — this cost is never passed on to you.
REE Medical connects veterans with independent licensed providers who complete Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) documenting how severe a condition is today. Best fit when you are already service connected and believe your rating is too low. REE says it charges a flat rate with no percentage of back pay.
Neither provider is VA-accredited or files claims for you, and no provider can guarantee a VA decision.
Before you engage any provider — including the ones listed above — verify these things independently. This is a medical service you're paying for; treat it like any other healthcare decision.
If you're a licensed physician, psychologist, or medical clinician who writes independent medical opinions for VA disability claims, we'd like to list you here. Applications are reviewed for licensure and experience.
Apply to Be Listed →You may not need a nexus letter if your condition is already presumptively service-connected (PACT Act burn pit exposures, Agent Orange conditions, certain Gulf War illnesses, or other presumptive lists). You also may not need one if your VA C&P exam produced a favorable opinion.
Nexus letters are most valuable when:
If you're unsure whether a nexus letter will help your claim, consider connecting with a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent first — they can assess your case and tell you exactly what evidence you're missing.