5 Common VA Disability Claim Denial Reasons & How to Overcome Them

Filing a VA disability claim can be confusing, time-consuming, and, unfortunately, frustrating — especially if your initial application gets denied. The good news? Many denials are avoidable, and most stem from a few common issues.

In this post, we’ll break down the top 5 reasons VA claims are denied and show you exactly what you can do to strengthen your case and improve your chances of approval.

1. Lack of a Clear Service Connection

Why It’s Denied:

The VA requires clear evidence that your condition is service-connected. If your records don’t explicitly link your disability to your military service, your claim may be denied.

How to Fix It:

✅ Obtain a Nexus Letter from a qualified medical provider that clearly states your condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by your service.

✅ Gather supporting evidence, such as service treatment records, buddy statements, or previous medical evaluations.

Tip: A strong, well-written Nexus Letter is often the key to establishing service connection — and that’s where we come in.

2. Insufficient Medical Evidence

Why It’s Denied:

If your claim lacks sufficient medical documentation proving the severity of your condition, the VA may not consider it a valid disability.

How to Fix It:

✅ Submit updated medical records from your VA healthcare provider or private doctor.

✅ Request a Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam if needed.

✅ Provide test results, imaging scans, or specialist evaluations to strengthen your case.

3. Missed Deadlines or Incomplete Paperwork

Why It’s Denied:

Filing a claim requires specific forms and deadlines. If you miss a deadline or submit an incomplete application, your claim could be denied.

How to Fix It:

✅ To avoid a VA disability claim denial, double-check your submission for missing information.

✅ File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) within one year of denial if appealing.

✅ Seek assistance from a VA-accredited attorney or VSO (Veteran Service Officer) to ensure accuracy.

4. Failure to Attend a C&P Exam

Why It’s Denied:

The Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam is a crucial step in the VA disability process. If you miss your scheduled exam, the VA may deny your claim due to a lack of medical evaluation.

How to Fix It:

✅ Reschedule your exam as soon as possible if you missed it.

✅ Provide a written explanation if there was a valid reason (e.g., medical emergency).

✅ Ensure you attend future appointments and bring supporting documentation.

5. No Official Diagnosis

Why It’s Denied:

To approve a VA disability claim, the VA needs a confirmed diagnosis from a licensed medical provider. Symptoms alone are not enough.

How to Fix It:

✅ Visit a VA or private doctor to obtain an official diagnosis.

✅ Submit a doctor’s report confirming the condition.

✅ Ensure the report includes symptoms, treatment history, and functional limitations related to your disability.

What to Do If There is a VA Disability Claim Denial

If your claim is denied, don’t give up. Many veterans successfully appeal and receive their rightful benefits. Here’s what you can do:

• Request a reconsideration with additional medical evidence.

• File a formal appeal with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).

• Seek help from a VA-accredited attorney or VSO to strengthen your case.

Need a Nexus Letter to Strengthen Your Claim?

At Nexus Letter Now, we specialize in writing strong, evidence-based Nexus Letters that clearly explain the service connection between your condition and your time in uniform. Our goal is to help you present the best case possible to the VA.

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