BENEFIT APPLICATION DOCUMENTS MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
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- Military discharge records (DD-214) or other separation documents
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- Marriage/divorce records
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- Birth/adoption records for dependent children
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- Proof of all income, current bills, county of residency
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- VA and private medical/hospital records related to your specific condition(s), illness or injury (i.e. doctor’s reports, X-rays, medical test results)
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- Active-service treatment records
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- Supporting statements from you and other eyewitnesses (i.e. family members, friends, clergy, and individuals you served with) that can share more about your condition, how/when it occurred and possibly worsened
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- Nexus Letters: This letter is a required medical opinion from treating physician(s) that links your current condition/disability(s) to your military service. Key elements of a nexus letter include:
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- The medical professional’s credentials (medical degree, license #, board certifications, years of experience, relevant specializations tied to the veteran’s medical condition, contact information, and VA affiliations – see VHA DIRECTIVE 1134(2) for VA health care providers at VHA Publications).
- A thorough review of the veterans’ medical history, service records, post-service treatment records, and current condition.
- Documentation of any relevant medical literature or studies that support the connection between the current diagnosis and military service.
- A clear medical opinion and well-reasoned rationale supporting the degree of likelihood that the veteran’s current condition is linked to their miliary service. The letter should use language aligned with VA terminology and choose from the following regarding the probability of a service connection: “highly likely”, “more than likely”, “at least as likely as not”, “not likely”. See example nexus letter.
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