This is a VeteransBenefitsHub.com article, dedicated to helping veterans navigate the complexities of VA benefits.
When filing a VA disability claim, you often hear about “favorable findings.” These findings might make you feel like you’re on the right track, but the truth is, they can sometimes be misleading. The VA will acknowledge certain aspects of your claim but still deny it because of missing elements—often, the crucial Nexus.
The Three Pillars of a Successful VA Claim
To win a VA disability claim, you must establish three critical components:
- A qualifying in-service event, injury, or disease – This means there is evidence that something happened during your service that could have led to your disability.
- A current diagnosis – You need a confirmed medical diagnosis of the condition for which you are claiming benefits.
- A Nexus (or connection) – You must establish a medical link between your current disability and your in-service event.
Example: Understanding the Nexus Gap
Let’s break it down with an example:
- The qualifying event is present: Service treatment records from January 10, 1975, show lower back pain.
- The current diagnosis is documented: A VA contract examination from QTC dated January 26, 2023, confirms a diagnosis of lumbar spine degenerative disease, intervertebral disc syndrome, and scoliosis.
- The Nexus is missing: This is where many claims fail. Even though the VA acknowledges your in-service injury and current diagnosis, they may deny the claim due to the lack of a clear connection between the two.
Why Does the VA Deny Claims Based on the Nexus?
The VA operates on a strict standard of proof. If there’s a gap in treatment or documentation—especially over several decades—they will assume you were fine during that time. In our example, if there’s no medical evidence from 1975 through the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s, the VA may argue, If you had an ongoing issue, why didn’t you seek treatment earlier?
This is frustrating, but it’s the reality of the claims process.
How to Strengthen Your Claim
If your claim lacks a Nexus, here’s what you can do:
- Obtain a medical opinion – A private doctor or VA physician can provide a medical opinion stating that your current condition is “at least as likely as not” related to your service.
- File a secondary claim – If your initial condition led to another disability over time, a secondary service connection may be easier to establish.
- Gather buddy statements – Testimonies from fellow service members or family members can help establish continuity of symptoms over the years.
Final Thoughts
While “favorable findings” might sound reassuring, they don’t guarantee an approved claim. The VA won’t explicitly tell you what’s missing—you have to figure it out. In most cases, the missing piece is the Nexus. Understanding this can save you time and frustration, ensuring you build a stronger, more successful claim.
If you’re in this situation, don’t lose hope. Focus on obtaining the right evidence, and keep pushing forward. Until the VA system changes, knowing how to navigate these pitfalls is your best chance at securing the benefits you deserve.
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal opinions and experiences regarding the VA claims process. It is not legal or medical advice.
For more insights and guidance on VA benefits, visit VeteransBenefitsHub.com.
