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Nexus Veteran Consultants
The documents outlined below allow Nexus Veteran Consultants to conduct a thorough review of available evidence and prepare a medically sound,VA-compliant Nexus Letter when supported by the record. Each document assists in establishing medical timelines, continuity of symptoms, and the relationship between military service and the claimed condition.
Required | Foundational Evidence
TheVA Blue Button Report is one of the most critical records used in the development of a Nexus Letter. It provides a comprehensive overview of treatment rendered within the VA healthcare system, including:
Diagnoses
Clinical encounters
Provider progress notes
Medications
Laboratory and imaging results (if selected)
This report allows for direct verification of medical history and supports accurate clinical analysis consistent with VA adjudication standards.
The Blue Button Report allows the reviewing provider to:
Evaluate VA treatment history and clinical findings
Confirm dates of diagnosis, onset, and progression
Identify chronicity and documented symptom patterns
Correlate medical evidence with time in service or service-related events
Log in toMy HealtheVet
SelectHealth Records
ChooseVA Blue Button Report
SelectAll Time for the date range
Customize the report to include:
Appointments
Medications
Problem List
Progress Notes
Lab Results (optional but recommended)
Download the report as aPDF
Upload the file securely to theNexus Veteran Consultants client portal
If you are unable to access or download your Blue Button Report, contact:
My HealtheVet Support, or
Your VA facility’sRelease of Information (ROI) Office
Required
TheVA Ratings Letter provides official confirmation of a veteran’s current service-connected conditions and assigned disability evaluations.
Review of the Ratings Letter allows providers to:
Confirm existing service-connected conditions
Avoid duplication of VA-defined diagnoses
Identify potential secondary conditions or unresolved issues
Ensure medical opinions align with current VA determinations
VisitVA.gov
Sign in usingID.me, My HealtheVet, or DS Logon
From your dashboard, selectView your VA disability rating
ChooseDownload your Benefit Verification Letter
⚠️Important: Ensure the document includes both thecombined disability rating andindividual ratings for each condition.
Strongly Recommended
VA Claim Decision Letters explain the basis for approvals, denials, or deferrals claimed by the VA.
Decision Letters help identify:
The VA’s rationale for prior decisions
Evidence considered insufficient or missing
Whether a medical nexus opinion may address specific evidentiary gaps
This information allows for precise alignment with VA adjudication criteria.
Log in toVA.gov
Navigate toDisability → Claims or Appeals Status
Select aClosed Claim
ClickView Details
ChooseGet your claim letters
Download the most recent decision letter as aPDF
⚠️Note: Decision letters are not available until a claim is closed.
Required for First-Time Claims Only
TheDD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) verifies:
Military service
Branch of service
Dates of service
Character of discharge
The DD-214 establishes basic eligibility and service history. Veterans with prior VA claims generally already have this document on file with the VA.
Option 1 — Personal Copy
Scan or photograph your DD-214 and upload a clear PDF to the client portal.
Option 2 — National Archives Request
Visitvetrecs.archives.gov
SelectStart Request Online
ChooseDD-214
Follow the prompted steps
Digital and mailed copies are available.
Optional but Highly Recommended
Medical records from civilian providers may supplement VA records and provide additional documentation.
Civilian records may:
Demonstrate continuity of care
Establish earlier symptom onset
Support chronicity and progression
Corroborate diagnoses outside the VA system
These records are particularly useful when VA documentation is limited.
Contact the provider’sMedical Records Department
Complete any required authorization forms
RequestPDF copies
Focus on records related to:
The condition claimed
Relevant treatment periods
Specialty evaluations
Optional Supporting Evidence
Lay statements may be submitted by:
The veteran (personal statement)
Fellow service members
Family members or individuals with first-hand knowledge
Lay statements may:
Describe in-service events or exposures
Clarify onset and progression of symptoms
Address functional impairment
Support credibility when medical records are limited
VA adjudicators often consider well-prepared lay evidence under38 CFR § 3.159.
UseVA Form 21-10210 (Lay/Witness Statement)
Include:
What occurred
When and where it occurred
Observable symptoms and functional impact
Statements should be factual, specific, and based on personal observation.
Service Treatment Records (STRs) are the medical records created while you were onactive duty. They are often needed to support VA disability claims. STRs arenot the same as VA medical records or Blue Button reports.
STRs include:
Sick call notes
In-service clinic visits
Deployment medical records
Profiles / light duty slips
Entrance (MEPS) and separation exams
STRs do NOT include:
VA medical records
My HealtheVet / Blue Button reports
Post-service civilian medical records
STRs are often scanned into your VA claims file.
How:
SubmitVA Form 20-10206 (FOIA / Privacy Act request)
Request:
“A complete copy of my VA claims file (C-file), including all Service Treatment Records.”
Where:
Upload throughVA.gov, or
Mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center
Timeframe: ~4–8 months
Best for veterans who separatedyears ago.
How:
SubmitSF-180
Online request atvetrecs.archives.gov
Timeframe: ~2–6 months
STRs for Guard/Reserve service are oftennot held by NPRC.
You may need to contact:
Yourstate Adjutant General
Your formerunit or Reserve command
Unit medical or personnel office
This is common anddoes not end your claim.
VA must also consider:
Veteran lay statements
Buddy statements
MOS duties and deployments
Post-service medical records showing continuity
VA has aheightened duty to assist when STRs are missing.
Assuming STRs are in Blue Button
Requesting only “medical records” (be specific)
Giving up if records are incomplete
Always request yourentire C-File, not just STRs. It often contains:
Prior VA decisions
C&P exams
STR scans
Evidence used by VA
A qualified medical provider can review STRs and explain how they support a VA nexus letter.
Submission of complete and accurate documentation allows Nexus Veteran Consultants to provide athorough, independent, and VA-compliant medical review. The absence of certain documents may limit the ability to render a medical nexus opinion.