VA disability & nexus evaluations

Falls Psychology Services provides independent psychological evaluations and medical nexus opinions for veterans seeking Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability consideration.

These evaluations are conducted as structured clinical assessments and are distinct from therapeutic services. The purpose of the evaluation is to clarify diagnosis, assess functional impairment, and determine whether a condition is medically supported as related to military service, when appropriate.

Final determinations regarding service connection and disability ratings are made by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This page is for Veterans who:

• Have an existing or pending VA disability claim
• Need a medical nexus opinion linking a psychological condition to military service 
• Are seeking a rating increase based on severity or functional impact 
• Want an independent review of a VA C&P examination or prior denial 

If you are seeking ongoing therapy, crisis care, or insurance-based services, this page is not the appropriate starting point.

A comprehensive VA disability evaluation may include:

• Structured clinical interview
• Review of military records (when available)
• Review of VA and civilian medical records
• Diagnostic clarification using DSM criteria
• Functional impairment analysis
• Medical nexus opinion, when supported by evidence
   

When a nexus opinion is provided, it is based on the legal standard of:

“At least as likely as not” (50 percent probability or greater)

Opinions are supported by clinical rationale and reference to available documentation.

In addition to diagnostic clarification, evaluations may address:

• Occupational functioning 
• Social functioning
• Symptom persistence and severity
• Longitudinal course of condition
• Consistency across medical records
   

The evaluation does not assign VA percentage ratings. Rating determinations are made by the VA.

In some cases, a psychological condition may be claimed as secondary to another service-connected condition (or vice versa).

Examples include:

• PTSD contributing to sleep disturbances or medical condition 
• Chronic pain contributing to depression or anxiety
• Psychological conditions exacerbating other service-connected impairments

Secondary opinions require additional analysis and literature support and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

A nexus opinion can only be provided when clinical evidence reasonably supports service connection.

If the available documentation does not support a nexus under applicable standards, that conclusion will be stated transparently.

Evaluations are objective and are not advocacy-based services.

For veterans seeking increased ratings, evaluations may assess:

• Worsening of symptoms
• Increased functional impairment
• Consistency with current rating criteria
• Occupational impact
   

The VA determines all rating outcomes.

VA evaluation services do not include:

• Guaranteed service connection
• Guaranteed rating percentages
• Coaching for Compensation & Pension (C&P) examinations
• Legal representation
• Template or pre-written letters
   

All opinions are based on clinical findings, medical documentation, and professional judgment in accordance with ethical standards governing independent evaluations.