VA keeps denying claim for degenerative disc disease

Question:

Hello, I've been dealing with a claim for degenerative disc disease for the last 2 years. The VA continues to deny the claim. i even had a Dr. write a Nexus letter and they still denied it. What do I have to do to make this claim stick? Please advise. I also have other questions about injuries that were never documented in my medical record. I'm on my 3rd VSO, no one has been able to help me. Any suggestions?

Jim's Reply:

The "nexus letter" has a mythical sound in veterans chat rooms and advice columns and is often talked about as the miracle to solving a claim that isn't being awarded. Unfortunately, that isn't true. Any supporting evidence must be worded exactly, perfectly by the VA book or it will be denied. I no longer recommend nexus letter or statements in support of claim, etc., I go directly to an IMO written by a disability expert with deep knowledge of how the VA disability system works. In your case I'd offer that you should first consider an IMO and then retain an attorney for an appeal. If you don't get formal with your appeal, it's more likely than not that you'll continue to be denied the benefit you earned.


Source URL: https://www.statesidelegal.org/va-keeps-denying-claim-degenerative-disc-disease