Every claim needs three elements: a current diagnosis, an in-service event, and a nexus (medical link between them). Most denials are because element #3 is missing — get a nexus letter and re-file as a Supplemental Claim.
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The three elements every claim must prove
Whether direct, presumptive, or secondary, every successful claim must satisfy what the courts call the Caluza or Shedden test — three elements drawn from longstanding case law. If any one element is missing, the claim fails. If you understand these three, you understand every denial letter you’ll ever read.
| Element | What it means | How you prove it |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Current disability | You have a diagnosable medical condition right now. | A diagnosis in a medical record. Civilian or VA doctor — both count. |
| 2. In-service event, injury, or exposure | Something happened to you, or you were exposed to something, during active service. | Service treatment records (STRs), buddy statements, deployment records, MOS records, DD-214 narrative. |
| 3. Nexus (medical link) | A medical professional says — in writing — that #1 was caused or aggravated by #2. | A nexus letter from a private physician. Sometimes a C&P examiner provides this; do not rely on it. |
Pro tip
When a VA denial letter says “the evidence does not establish a link between your current condition and your military service,” the missing element is almost always #3 — the nexus. Most denials can be reopened with a Supplemental Claim once you obtain a proper nexus letter.
Exceptions
- Presumptive claims are an exception to element #3 — VA presumes the nexus for you.
- Secondary claims modify element #2: instead of an in-service event, you point to your already-service-connected condition.
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