PTSD Nexus Letters: The Complete Guide to Strengthening Your VA Disability Claim
Educational information about psychiatric Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) for veterans seeking service connection for PTSD.
Your complete roadmap to securing VA disability benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD affects millions of veterans, yet many struggle to get the VA disability benefits they deserve. Whether you’re filing your first claim or appealing a denial, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of establishing service connection for PTSD.
To establish service connection for PTSD, you must prove these three elements:
A diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional using DSM-5-TR criteria
A verified traumatic event that occurred during military service
Medical evidence linking your current PTSD to the in-service stressor
The VA recognizes several categories of traumatic stressors:
PTSD ratings are based on occupational and social impairment:
*2024 rates for veteran only, no dependents
Many veterans didn’t seek mental health treatment while active duty due to stigma.
Non-combat stressors often lack documentation.
Brief exams often miss the full picture of PTSD impact.
PTSD often causes or aggravates other conditions that may qualify for additional compensation:
50% of PTSD patients
Common comorbidity
Stress-induced
Self-medication
Chronic stress
Anxiety-related
See a psychiatrist or psychologist for formal PTSD diagnosis using DSM-5-TR criteria.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Collect service records, medical records, and write your stressor statement.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Get expert medical opinion linking PTSD to military service.
Timeline: 2-3 weeks
Submit online via VA.gov with all supporting evidence.
Timeline: 1 day
Review your symptoms, be honest about impact on daily life.
Timeline: 30-90 days after filing
Start a symptom journal today. Include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and how PTSD affects work/relationships.
Vague statements hurt claims. Include dates, locations, unit information, and specific details about the traumatic event.
Describe your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on maximum impairment, not average function.
Statements from fellow service members who witnessed your stressor or behavior changes are gold for your claim.
A well-written nexus letter from a psychiatrist can overcome weak C&P exams and fill gaps in your service records.
“After two denials, Dr. Lee’s nexus letter finally got my PTSD service-connected at 70%. The difference was night and day—he actually understood military trauma.”
– Marine Veteran, Iraq
“My MST claim was approved on the first try. The nexus letter addressed everything the VA needed to see. Worth every penny.”
– Army Veteran
Dr. Ronald Lee, MD specializes in PTSD nexus letters. As a Harvard-trained psychiatrist who trained at the VA, he knows exactly what the VA needs to see.
PTSD Nexus Letter: $600
Includes 90-minute evaluation & comprehensive letter
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Dr. Lee provides expert Independent Medical Opinions for PTSD VA claims, helping veterans establish service connection with evidence-based nexus letters.
Educational information about psychiatric Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) for veterans seeking service connection for PTSD.
When Multiple Conditions Overlap You were exposed to an IED blast during deployment. You experienced
When Physical Pain Becomes Emotional Suffering You’ve been living with chronic back pain, knee pain,
©
VetNexusMD is an independent service and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 2025 VetNexusMD. All rights reserved.