Nexus Statement: How, When, and Where.

[Fat]

Seems we often visit several topics related to the VA claim process.

However, I think I can't remember a topic on approaching a doctor regarding a nexus statement.

The Nexus statement is part of the Caluza triangle, but when is the right time to broach the subject with your doctor.

Some doctors will be adverse, however many doctors understand the relevance of a nexus statement in securing VA disability.

So when, how, and where is the best time to raise the issue of a nexus statement with your doctor?

a. beginning of process (informing about filing for VA benefits)

b. after diagnosis

c. After treatments have begun

d. during medical history inquiry

e. During scheduling appointment (asking nurse if doctor is open to providing a nexus statement if medical evidence warrants).

 

Just wanted to know how most veterans handle the issue.

I think the easiest part of the process is evidence in service medical records.

Next, securing a diagnosis by verifiable means. Important

Last,  asking a doctor to offer relationship and causation on service medical issue and current diagnosis.

 

[brokensoldier244th]

I usually wait until after dx and a few treatments that way the doctor has something to work with. 

[broncovet]

I went to a doctor regarding my knee.  She had read the xray's, and seen the arthritis (severe) in my knee, and opined that I would need a total knee replacement, the only question was when.  So I asked her, "Do you think this is related to the fracture of my leg in service?"

She said "no".  She then said something about some type of joint damage, saying some is related to an injury and other types of arthritis are not related to injury or fracture.  While I dont remember EXACTLY what she said (the medical terminology), I knew that meant I would not be sc for my knee, "unless/until" I went to an outside doc and got a nexus statement, because this doctor was not about to give me a nexus.  Since I dont know that much about knee/joints/arthritis, I figured, "if I so choose", I could ask a doctor in private medicine the same question.  

"If" the doc says, "Well, yes, fractures can lead to degenerative arthritis", then I will ask the doc to "document" this opinion for me.  At that time, I may "pull out a sample letter" of what a nexus for VA needs to say.  At that time, I will likely ask the doctor how much he would charge to document his opinion, and provide a CV so I can submit it to VA.  

It turned out I do not feel I need my total knee replacement service connected, because I am already 100 percent plus SMC S, so it would not likely increase my compensation "even if" I got 30 percent of more for BOTH knees, because the other knee is bad too, probably related to the first knee problem.  

[Buck52]

Most VA Dr.'s won't discuss things about your medical condition if you mention anything about a claim, so unless you have a great repore with your VA Dr.  Don't mention a claim to them, just ask what your concerns are and get to talking about your condition  and you can say so Dr you mean my *** is probably caused from back in my military days ?  Doc says Yes they can ect,,,,ect,,,,        you say Wow I Never thought about that  ect,,,ect,, but ease into it or whatever your needing the Dr to say...

then go to MyhealthVet and print out what the Dr mention in his medical report  but never let them know your filing a claim for your condition   unless your on good terms with your VA Dr..At least this is how they are at my VAMC  SOMETIMES ITS WHAT YOU MAY NEED AND SOME TIME NOT...

I usually figure out a way to ask questions about my condition I am being treated for with JUST BEING CAUSUAL. 

FOR SLEEP APNEA  =Ask-  ''Dr in your opinion could my sleep apnea be caused or related to my PTSD or the medication I take for it?say things like I can't remember the names of some of those medication I just put them in my weekly med planner container beside my bed,  if you don't mind Dr can you look and see what all the medication I am taking for my PTSD...USUALLY THE Dr. will look on his/er computer  and tell you what all your taking  and he/she will see a Med That can cause or is related to Sleep Apnea  and tell you that ect,,,ect,,, BINGO that should be in your Notes in MyhealthVet

I had to go see a Private Dr Twice  FOR HELP WITH MY CLAIM AND I ALWAYS USED A SPECIALIST . (Veteran Friendly Doc)

Edited November 18, 2020 by Buck52

[Buck52]

I remember one time I was getting my ED service connected , I went to this specialist urology Doc and I mention to this Dr if he can help me get my ED service connected from the VA?  the Dr ask me if I was filing a claim?  I said yes sir  he said sure he can be glad too he said...and like broncovet mention above after the Dr finished examining me, I ask the Dr if a special medication I took for PTSD can cause my ED  and if so can you write out in your report that it is likely as not related to or the cause of my ED  something like this ''Due to the medication this veteran takes from his VA MH Dr. prescribed for his PTSD, iso after his examination  he read part of my VA Medical records I took him  just a page I think it was not a whole slew of records just the part about mr PTSD MEDS ect,,ect,,,  he ask this assistant to write this wording down  and I'LL WRITE THIS VETERAN A REPORT  HE NEEDS some times this week and mail it to him.    Dr. ENDED HIS LETTER WITH THIS

if I can be of any service or  assistance  please feel free to call me *** **** my office hours are   9:00am to 5:00:pm

This is what you call a Veteran Friendly Dr.