If you’re filing for VA disability benefits, there’s one piece of evidence that can quietly make or break your entire claim:
The nexus letter.
Often misunderstood or completely overlooked, a strong nexus letter is one of the most powerful tools you can include — especially if your condition wasn’t documented clearly during service.
Here’s what it is, why it matters, and how to get one that actually helps your case.
What Is a Nexus Letter?
A nexus letter is a written medical opinion that connects your current health condition to your military service.
It answers one core question for the VA:
“Is this condition at least as likely as not related to the veteran’s time in service?”
If the answer is yes — and if the reasoning is sound — the nexus letter can fill the gap between what the VA sees in your file and what actually happened to you.
When Do You Need One?
Not every claim requires a nexus letter, but they’re especially important when:
- Your condition wasn’t formally diagnosed during service
- Your symptoms didn’t show up until after discharge
- You were treated off the record or outside the military system
- You’re filing for a secondary condition (e.g., migraines caused by PTSD)
- Your previous claim was denied due to lack of connection
If you’re unsure, Woobie can help you assess whether a nexus letter would strengthen your case — or be the missing link that turns a “no” into a “yes.”
Who Should Write It?
The best nexus letters come from qualified medical professionals who:
- Are licensed (MD, DO, psychologist, etc.)
- Have experience evaluating disability claims
- Can clearly explain the medical reasoning behind their opinion
In many cases, a treating doctor or specialist can write one — but they may need guidance on what to include.
What Makes a Nexus Letter Effective?
A strong nexus letter is:
✅ Clear — Avoids jargon, uses plain language
✅ Confident — Uses phrases like “more likely than not” or “as likely as not”
✅ Evidence-based — Cites records, symptoms, and timelines
✅ Explained — Doesn’t just say “yes” — shows why the connection exists
It should match the narrative of your overall claim and reference details in your medical or service history whenever possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Vague language like “possibly” or “could be”
❌ Letters from providers without any relevant background
❌ Copy-paste templates that lack personal details
❌ Submitting without attaching related medical records
A poorly written nexus letter can do more harm than good — or be ignored entirely.
Can You Write Your Own?
You can draft a personal statement about your symptoms and service, but a nexus letter must come from a medical professional.
That said, you can help shape it by providing:
- A short timeline of your condition
- Notes on symptoms and how they impact your life
- Service records or incident documentation
- Details about what happened during (or after) your military service
Woobie’s Nexus Letter Guide helps veterans prepare all of this so their doctor isn’t guessing — and the letter lands the right way.
Final Thoughts: The Letter That Can Tip the Scale
A nexus letter isn’t just paperwork — it’s your bridge between lived experience and VA logic.
It’s how you say:
- “Yes, this matters.”
- “Yes, this is real.”
- “Yes, it came from my service — even if the system didn’t catch it at the time.”
Want help writing one that works? Visit our Claims Accelerator to get support from a team that knows how the VA reads every line.
Sometimes, all it takes is one well-worded letter —
To turn silence into approval, and doubt into recognition.
Let’s help you write the one that gets it done.