ptsd nexus evaluations
Independent Psychological Evaluations for Veterans Seeking Service Connection for PTSD
Independent Psychological Evaluations for Veterans Seeking Service Connection for PTSD
A VA disability claim for post-traumatic stress disorder can involve much more than submitting a diagnosis. The VA generally evaluates whether there is sufficient evidence connecting a veteran’s current PTSD symptoms to a qualifying event or experience during military service.
Tampa Therapy offers independent psychological evaluations for veterans seeking service connection for PTSD. These evaluations are completed by a licensed psychologist with extensive experience in trauma, PTSD assessment, and evidence-based treatment.
Our role is to provide a thorough, objective clinical evaluation—not to guarantee a particular disability rating or claim outcome.
PTSD Evaluations Only
At this time, Tampa Therapy provides nexus evaluations specifically for claims involving post-traumatic stress disorder.
We do not currently offer nexus evaluations for:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Chronic pain
- Sleep apnea
- Physical health conditions
- General medical conditions
- Conditions unrelated to PTSD
The presence of anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic symptoms, substance use, or other concerns may be considered when relevant to the PTSD evaluation, but these conditions are not independently evaluated for service connection through this service.
What Is a PTSD Nexus Evaluation?
A nexus evaluation examines whether a veteran’s current PTSD is, in the evaluator’s professional opinion, connected to experiences that occurred during military service.
The evaluation may address:
- Whether the veteran currently meets diagnostic criteria for PTSD
- The nature and severity of current symptoms
- The veteran’s reported military stressor or traumatic exposure
- The timeline between military service and the development of symptoms
- Relevant treatment, medical, occupational, and psychosocial history
- Whether the available evidence supports a connection between the veteran’s PTSD and military service
- Other factors or conditions that may contribute to the veteran’s symptoms
When clinically supported, the final report may include a professional opinion regarding whether the veteran’s PTSD is at least as likely as not related to military service.
A nexus opinion is only provided when it is supported by the clinical interview, psychological testing, records, and available evidence.
Why Choose Tampa Therapy?
At Tampa Therapy, we understand how important it is for veterans to have thorough, well-supported documentation when pursuing disability benefits. Our highly experienced clinicians:
Provide objective, evidence-based clinical assessment
Use diagnostic standards consistent with DSM-5 and VA requirements
Draft letters that are professional, concise, and written in clinical language the VA prefers
Ensure that every letter is individually tailored to your unique history, diagnosis, and experiences.
What sets us apart and makes our practice uniquely capable of providing this service is that our owner and several team members have direct experience working in the VA system. We are not only trained in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, but we also have a deep understanding of the VA claims process itself. Our backgrounds uniquely position us to:
Genuinely understand the needs of veterans who are entitled to benefits
Recognize the nuances of VA documentation requirements
Provide the appropriate, clinically sound letters that can strengthen a veteran’s disability claim or appeal
Who Can Benefit from a Nexus Letter?
You are a veteran filing a new VA disability claim.
You are appealing a denied VA claim.
You need to strengthen your case with a clinical expert opinion.
You have conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other trauma-related disorders that you believe are connected to your service.
Is a Nexus Evaluation Right for You?
A private nexus evaluation may be appropriate when:
- You believe your PTSD is connected to military service
- Your claim has previously been denied
- The VA has questioned the relationship between your symptoms and service
- Your existing evaluation did not fully address your trauma history
- Important records or clinical evidence were not previously considered
- You need an independent, comprehensive psychological assessment
A private evaluation does not replace legal guidance. Veterans may also benefit from speaking with an accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, claims agent, or attorney regarding the overall claims process.
what to expect
Initial Consultation
We review your history, medical records, and VA documents.
Comprehensive Assessment
A licensed clinician will conduct a thorough evaluation.
Professional Nexus Letter
We prepare a carefully written letter that outlines your diagnosis, history, and the service connection in a clinical and VA-appropriate format.
Please note: Tampa Therapy provides independent clinical opinions. A Nexus evaluation does not guarantee a nexus connection will be determined. If provided, a Nexus letter does not guarantee VA benefits approval, but it can significantly strengthen your case.
What the Evaluation Does Not Include
Tampa Therapy does not:
- Guarantee service connection
- Guarantee a specific disability percentage
- Guarantee that a nexus opinion will be provided
- Determine eligibility for VA benefits
- Complete an evaluation based solely on what may help a claim
- Serve as the veteran’s attorney, representative, or claims agent
- Provide legal advice
- Provide treatment as part of the evaluation
- Offer testimony, depositions, hearings, or court appearances under the standard evaluation fee
The VA makes the final decision regarding service connection and disability ratings.
A nexus evaluation is not an advocacy letter written automatically in support of a claim. It is an independent psychological assessment.
The psychologist must consider information that supports the claim as well as information that may conflict with it. A favorable nexus opinion can only be offered when supported by the available clinical evidence.
Payment is for the psychologist’s professional time, evaluation, testing, record review, and report preparation. Payment does not purchase a particular opinion or outcome.
Objective and Independent Evaluations
Let’s Work Together
Request a Screening
To begin, please contact Tampa Therapy and request information about a VA PTSD nexus screening.
Before scheduling, you will be asked to provide:
- Your full name and contact information
- A copy of your DD-214
- A brief description of the claimed in-service traumatic event
- Information about any previous VA decisions
- Relevant mental health or medical records currently available
After the preliminary information is reviewed, our office will let you know whether the case appears appropriate for an initial screening.