VA Nexus Letters & Independent Psychological Opinions
Independent VA Disability Opinions by a Licensed Psychologist
I provide independent psychological opinions for Veterans seeking service connection or rating increases through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
These services are consultative and forensic in nature, not psychotherapy, and are designed to meet VA evidentiary standards.
What This Page Is For
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.
Services Provided: VA Nexus Letters (Psychological Conditions)
A VA nexus letter is a medical opinion addressing whether a psychological condition is “at least as likely as not” related to military service.
These opinions may address:
- PTSD (including combat-related or non-combat trauma)
- Military sexual trauma (MST)
- Depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorder
- Other service-connected psychological conditions
Each nexus opinion is based on:
- Review of relevant service and medical records
- Diagnostic formulation using DSM-5-TR criteria
- VA-appropriate medical rationale
- Independent professional judgment
VA Rating Increase Opinions
For Veterans with an established service connection who believe their condition has worsened, I provide severity and functional impact opinions to support rating increase claims.
These opinions focus on:
- Symptom severity
- Functional impairment
- Consistency with VA rating criteria
Secondary Service-Connection Opinions
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.
Review of VA C&P Examinations
I also provide independent reviews of VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) examinations when Veterans believe an examination was incomplete, inconsistent, or inaccurate.
When appropriate, I may provide a written rebuttal opinion addressing:
- Diagnostic issues
- Inconsistencies with records
- Errors in reasoning or conclusions
important things to know
How My Role Differs From Therapy
It is important to understand the distinction between forensic consultation and psychotherapy.
- These services are not treatment
- No therapeutic relationship is established
- Opinions are written for adjudicative purposes
- I do not provide symptom coaching or outcome guarantees
This distinction protects both you and the integrity of the opinion.
What I Do Not Provide
To ensure ethical and professional boundaries, I do not provide:
- Template or pre-written letters
- Guaranteed outcomes or ratings
- Emergency or crisis services
- Legal representation
- Coaching on how to present symptoms
Fees & Process (Overview)
All VA-related services are self-pay (NON INSURANCE).
Fees are based on the scope and complexity of records reviewed.
The general process is:
- Written inquiry submitted
- Records review to determine appropriateness
- Fee quoted in advance
- Payment received
- Work begins
Detailed fee information is available on the Fees page.
Important Disclosures
- No outcomes or determinations are guaranteed
- VA decisions are made solely by the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Opinions are based on available records and professional judgment
Request Services
All services begin with a written inquiry.
Please review the Office Policies before submitting a request.