Evidence is vital for proving VA disability. The VA reviews all submitted evidence to decide on your veterans disability claim, which is decided on the strength of everything submitted.
VA disability compensation requires medical and other evidence that your medical condition was caused or exacerbated by your military service. Without proof, and proof that the condition did not exist or wasn’t serious before your enlistment, your claim will be denied, leading to a lengthy appeals process.
Getting a fair VA disability rating hinges on one vital element: medical evidence. Understanding the importance of this evidence can make all the difference in your claim’s success.
What You Need To Begin Your Claim
The VA lists the evidence it needs to start with on its website. You can either submit the information yourself or give the VA permission to source:
- Your DD214 or other separation documentation
- Medical treatment records from the military
- Medical evidence that relates to your medical condition: X-rays and other diagnostics, the results of these diagnostics, and other medical records, such as doctor’s notes.
- Lay evidence from someone with firsthand knowledge of your medical condition and how it affects your everyday life can submit written testimony to the VA.
Your veteran’s disability attorney can advise you on other evidence to strengthen your claim based on your circumstances.
A Strong Foundation
Comprehensive medical records form the backbone of your VA disability claim. These records provide a clear picture of your condition’s severity and impact on your daily life. To strengthen your case:
- Gather all relevant medical documentation, including service records and post-service treatments, including those from civilian medical professionals.
- Get a “nexus letter” from your primary treating physician.
- Seek expert opinions from qualified healthcare professionals.
- Include personal accounts or lay statements from family, friends, or fellow service members.
Carefully curating this evidence to submit to the VA can significantly improve your chances of receiving a fair disability rating. This proactive approach demonstrates the extent of your service-connected disabilities and their impact on your life.
The Nexus Letter
Sometimes medical evidence doesn’t tell the entire story. A “nexus letter” ties everything together.
This letter is from your treating physician, depending on your case. It may be your primary care physician, but if you have service-related cancer, then it will likely be an oncologist. For a mental health disorder, that treating physician may be a psychiatrist.
Not sure which one? Your veteran’s disability attorney can help you determine who can best help you.
The Nexus Letter explains in detail how your time in service is connected to the condition, and establishes the link or “nexus” between the two events. This letter goes a long way in proving VA disability in your claim.
Navigating the Process
With a comprehensive tranche of medical evidence, you can approach the veteran disability claim process with confidence that you can:
- Present a compelling case for your service-connected disabilities
- Provide the VA with the necessary information to make an informed decision
- Increase the likelihood of securing the compensation you rightfully deserve
Keep your documents organized and easily accessible so you and your veteran’s disability attorney can file an accurate and comprehensive claim with the VA. Missing or incomplete documentation can lead to delays or denials, so take time to gather robust evidence that’s essential for a successful claim.
A complete description of the process is available here from the VA.
Veterans Disability Claims Help With Herren Law
Filing for veterans disability benefits is a difficult process that takes patience as well as understanding the law. Starting the process now for your veterans disability claim means you’ll be receiving benefits sooner instead of later.
William Herren is an attorney offering veterans disability claim help. Mr. Herren has helped more than 4,000 Houstonians get the benefits they deserve, including veterans. Call The Herren Law Firm today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and we’ll take your case on a contingency fee basis, with no up-front charges. You don’t owe a fee until we win your case.
