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.

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.

A nexus letter is more than a simple note—it is a legal-medical document written by a licensed physician that requires: 1. Comprehensive medical record review • This includes past military records, civilian treatment history, diagnostic tests, and prior C&P exams. 1. 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”). 1. 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. 1. 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.

I may be able to determine this from your denial letter and/or from your "C file".

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

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.

All medical conditions can be covered except for TBI and psych. However, I can refer you to a trusted source if you need these.

Yes! Ask your lawyer if they think a nexus or a dbq will be helpful.

Yes! Schedule a consult and we can discuss whats best for you.