Nexus Letter
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
A medical opinion letter from a doctor that connects your current disability to your military service. It's the bridge between your service records and your current condition.
Why This Matters
Often the most important piece of evidence in a claim. Many claims are denied simply because they lack a nexus letter. The letter should use the phrase 'at least as likely as not' (50% probability or greater).
Example
A doctor writes: 'It is my opinion that the veteran's current knee arthritis is at least as likely as not caused by the parachute injury documented in his service treatment records from 2005.'