Preparing for Your VA DBQ & Nexus Letter Appointment: What Should You Bring?

At Lyndsay Health, we are honored to work with Veterans as they navigate the VA disability claims process. Whether you're filing a new claim, requesting an increase for an existing service-connected disability, or seeking to establish a connection between your military service and a current medical condition, we want to help you feel prepared for your appointment.

One of the most important things you can do before your visit is gather the medical records and documents that support your claim.

What Should You Bring to Your Appointment?

1. A List of Your Service-Connected Conditions

Please bring a current list of any conditions the VA has already recognized as service-connected, along with your disability ratings if available. This helps us understand your existing disability history, especially when evaluating conditions that may be secondary to an already service-connected disability. You can find this on your VA portal or your VSO can provide this to you.

2. Documents Provided by Your Veterans Service Officer (VSO)

If you've recently met with your VSO, bring any paperwork, recommendations, or documents they provided related to your claim. Your VSO may have identified specific conditions that need additional medical evidence, a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), or a medical nexus opinion.

Having this information helps us understand what you're working toward and what documentation may be needed.

3. Previous Imaging and Diagnostic Reports

If you've had X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, nerve conduction studies, or other diagnostic testing related to the condition we're evaluating, please bring copies of those reports.

These records can provide valuable medical evidence to support our evaluation.

4. Service Treatment Records

If you have military medical records documenting injuries, illnesses, symptoms, or treatment during your service, please bring any that relate to the condition being evaluated.

These records can be especially helpful when assessing whether a current medical condition may be connected to your military service.

5. Relevant Medical Records

Bring any medical records from the VA, civilian physicians, specialists, hospitals, or other healthcare providers that directly relate to your claim.

You don't necessarily need to bring your entire medical history. Focus on records that help tell the story of the condition we're evaluating, including previous diagnoses, treatment, testing, and ongoing symptoms.

Something Many Veterans Don't Realize: We Cannot Access Your VA Medical Records

This is one of the most important things we want Veterans to understand before their appointment.

Unlike your VSO, our medical practice does not have direct access to your VA medical records or disability claims file.

Even if you've received all your treatment through the VA, those records are not automatically available to us.

This means we rely on the medical records and supporting documentation you provide to help us complete a thorough evaluation.

The more relevant information we have, the better we can understand your medical history and provide a well-supported medical opinion when appropriate.

Our Goal Is to Make Your Visit as Productive as Possible

We know the VA disability process can feel overwhelming, and gathering records may seem like one more task on an already long list.

Taking a little time to prepare before your appointment can make a meaningful difference.

At Lyndsay Health, our role is to provide an independent medical evaluation, complete applicable DBQs, and offer medical nexus opinions when supported by the clinical findings and available evidence.

We take that responsibility seriously, and we want every Veteran who walks through our doors to feel heard, respected, and prepared.

Thank you for your service. We look forward to working with you.

The Lyndsay Health Team