ABOUT RECORDS REVIEWED
At Records Explained, a physician helps you understand and summarize your medical records. While we do not provide medical advice, we assist in preparing you for discussions with healthcare providers or disability examiners. Our team has extensive experience in clarifying documented medical issues and providing DBQs and Nexus letters (medical opinions).
Although we specialize in assisting Veterans, our services are available to everyone. If you are an adult child of a Veteran trying to understand your parent's records, we can help with that too. Records Explained is dedicated to helping you receive the support you deserve.
Founder: Jillian McAdams, MD
Training:
C&P Examiner, Veteran Disability
VCU School of Medicine
Former Assistant Professor and Instructor at Harvard Medical School, Boston University School of Medicine and UTSW School of Medicine
Emergency Medicine and Urgent care (Pediatric)
"Just wanted to drop a note to say thanks. My decision came today. Your opinion on joint dbq for migraines were a homerun. The examiner told me the hips opinion was well written backed by medical studies and he agreed with the opinion. He told me he was service connecting during the exam"
Veteran, CA
Services
Email your request for consultation and you will receive a phone call to discuss if, and how, we can solve your problem.
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Can't I just do this on my own?Yes, you can absolutely submit a claim on your own—and many Veterans do so successfully. However, clients who work with Records Explained often need help establishing a clear medical connection (nexus), understanding the medical aspects of their condition, identifying overlooked diagnoses, or preparing a fully developed claim. While Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are a great free resource, they are not physicians and cannot provide medical opinions.
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Can my own doctor do this for free?Yes! You can ask your private physician if they will write you a letter. The reason Records Explained believes they will do a better job is that they are familiar with VA language and understand what belongs in a letter. Many private physicians are unfamiliar with what a Nexus letter is. Many are also unfamiliar with disability exams and believe it may lead them to legal liability.
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Why does a Nexus cost so muchA nexus letter is more than a simple note—it is a legal-medical document written by a licensed physician that requires: Comprehensive medical record review This includes past military records, civilian treatment history, diagnostic tests, and prior C&P exams. Expert medical analysis and legal alignment The physician must assess causation, use accepted medical literature, and reference VA standards (like “at least as likely as not”). Customized documentation and formal medical opinion It must be written clearly enough for VA raters to understand and legally sound enough to stand up to appeal scrutiny. Time, liability, and credentialing Physicians put their license and name behind each opinion, and often spend hours on each case. Think of it like a private legal consultation—just as you would pay a lawyer for expert representation, you're paying for a physician’s medical expertise and years of training applied directly to your claim.
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Can you tell why I was denied in the past?I may be able to determine this from your denial letter and/or from your "C file".
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Which awards or medals can help me connect?The following combat decorations meet this requirement: • Air Force Achievement Medal with "V" Device • Air Force Combat Action Medal • Air Force Commendation Medal with "V" Device • Air Force Cross • Air Medal with "V" Device • Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device • Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device • Combat Action Badge • Combat Action Ribbon • Combat Aircrew Insignia • Combat Infantry/Infantryman Badge • Combat Medical Badge • Distinguished Flying Cross 89 • Distinguished Service Cross • Joint Service Commendation Medal with "V" Device • Medal of Honor • Navy Commendation Medal with "V" Device • Navy Cross • Purple Heart • Silver Star Parachute badge or medal
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I never complained, I don’t know how to get my records, I’m overwhelmed, I already tried.Tell me your story, and I’ll help you determine whether a medical record review is worth your time and investment. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective—or a clinical one—to identify what’s been overlooked.
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What conditions do you cover?All medical conditions can be covered except for TBI and psych. However, I can refer you to a trusted source if you need these.
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I already have a lawyer, will you work with them?Yes! Ask your lawyer if they think a nexus or a dbq will be helpful.