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.
Expert strategies to challenge VA rating reductions and maintain your earned disability compensation
Receiving a proposal to reduce your VA disability rating can be devastating. After fighting for years to get your benefits, the VA is now threatening to take them away. But you have rights, and with the right strategy, you can fight back effectively.
Multiple laws protect veterans from improper rating reductions
Strict deadlines apply – act quickly to protect your rights
VA must prove sustained improvement to justify reduction
The VA can propose to reduce your disability rating if they believe your condition has improved. However, they must follow strict legal procedures and meet specific burden of proof requirements.
Conditions rated as likely to improve are reviewed every 2-5 years
VA discovers you’re working and assumes improvement
Treatment notes showing temporary improvement
VA sends notice of proposed reduction with reasons
You have 60 days to submit evidence against reduction
Must request personal hearing within 30 days
VA makes final decision after reviewing evidence
Get a complete copy of your VA claims file to understand their reasoning and identify errors in their proposal.
Collect medical records, nexus letters, buddy statements, and any evidence showing your condition hasn’t improved or has worsened.
Within 30 days, request a personal hearing to present your case directly to a VA decision maker.
Prepare detailed legal arguments citing VA regulations and case law that protect your rating.
Nexus letter stating condition hasn’t improved or explaining why symptoms persist
Ongoing treatment showing continued symptoms and functional impairment
Statements from family/friends describing ongoing symptoms and limitations
Expert opinion on continued occupational impairment
Ratings in effect for 5+ years require “sustained improvement” to reduce
Service connection cannot be severed after 10 years (except fraud)
Ratings at same level for 20 years are protected from reduction
Veterans 55+ are generally protected from certain reductions
Beyond the direct compensation loss, reductions can affect:
You have one year from the decision date to appeal the reduction.
Maintain regular treatment to document ongoing symptoms for your appeal.
Obtain updated medical opinions and continue documenting functional impact.
Complex reduction cases often benefit from experienced VA attorneys.
Regular mental health appointments create protective documentation
Always report bad days along with good days to providers
Keep a symptom journal and save all medical records
Dr. Ronald Lee can provide a comprehensive nexus letter addressing why your mental health condition hasn’t improved and continues to warrant your current rating.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult with a qualified representative for advice specific to your situation.
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,
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