What is a PTSD Nexus Letter?
This article helps to understand what PTSD Nexus Letter is. Additional information provided is how it helps your case and what you need to complete one.
The link (nexus) between past service and a current disability is usually the most difficult element to establish in a Veterans Administration benefits claim. Typically, the Compensation and Pension examination (C&P) establishes this connection.
That is not always the case. Sometimes, C&P doctors are not particularly competent to diagnose brain injuries, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If the Veteran presents the minimum amount of evidence, the claims examiner usually awards minimum benefits. For maximum benefits, you need stronger evidence.
Many times, a nexus letter helps a VA disability attorney strongly and concisely present your disability claim.
How Does a Nexus Letter Help?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a physical injury that has a medical cause. Therefore, a head injury doctor should add a letter to the file.
Exposure to combat stress causes a chemical imbalance in the brain. Researchers are not sure if the stress must occur in bits over time or if one, traumatic event is sufficient.
Specifically, combat stress erodes the cerebral cortex. This part of the brain controls logical responses to stressful stimuli. If the cerebral cortex shrinks, the amygdala gets bigger. This part of the brain controls emotional responses to stressful stimuli. This imbalance explains symptoms
such as:
- Depression,
- Unjustified anger,
- Isolation, and
- Heightened awareness.
PTSD, like all other brain injuries, is permanent. Therapy can usually ease the symptoms, at least somewhat, but it can never “cure” PTSD.
On good days, many PTSD victims can function almost normally. They can do things like sit with their backs facing the door for several hours at a time. On bad days, however, it is almost impossible to function. Generally, those living with PTSD stumble upon emotional triggers that inflame their symptoms.
Situations like this are tailor-made for Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits. TDIU benefits are available if the Veteran is partially disabled but totally unemployable. A nexus letter can address this issue.
What Should a Nexus Letter Contain?
Doctors who write nexus letters are usually independent physicians who are not affiliated with the VA. That one fact gives the letter solid credibility. Some other points to remember include:
- The letter should be relatively brief and focus on facts and conclusions. Additionally, if the nexus letter supports a TDIU claim, the letter should briefly explain how the Veteran’s symptoms interfere with employment.
- A board-certified doctor should write the nexus letter.
- This letter should include a statement that the doctor had access to all relevant medical and service records, and that the doctor reviewed all these records before making a diagnosis.
- 100% certainty is not a requirement. The burden of proof is only as likely as not. So, if the doctor has some doubts about the service connection, that is okay.
- A recent letter is better than an older letter.
A good nexus letter from a qualified doctor who understands VA terminology, like “at least as likely as not,” can overcome a lack of evidence concerns. Additionally, in many cases, a solid strong nexus letter can even overcome adverse C&P results.
Work with Experienced Lawyers
Those living with PTSD are entitled to VA benefits if they establish a service connection. For a free consultation with an experienced Veterans disability lawyer, contact Cameron Firm, PC at 800-861-7262 or fill out the contact box to your right. Because we are here to represent Veterans nationwide.
This article is for educational and marketing purposes only. Consequently, it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
