An unfavorable VA medical opinion can feel devastating, especially after months of waiting and believing your claim was strong, but it does not mean your case is over. Many denials or low ratings stem from medical opinions that rely on incomplete facts, overlook critical service or treatment records, or fail to clearly explain how conclusions were reached, all of which can be challenged. Carefully reviewing the examiner’s rationale is essential because the VA is required to provide a well-supported medical explanation when denying service connection or minimizing a disability rating. If the compensation and pension exam felt rushed, inaccurate, or dismissive, you can request a new exam by clearly documenting what went wrong and submitting a written record of your experience directly to your claim file through VA.gov. Another powerful option is obtaining a private, independent medical opinion, often called a nexus letter, from a qualified provider who reviews your full service and medical history and explains how your condition is connected to your military service. These steps shift control back into your hands, strengthen the evidence in your file, and remind you that an unfavorable opinion is not a final verdict but an obstacle that can be overcome with the right strategy and documentation.
source: https://www.vaclaims-academy.com/how-to-deal-with-unfavorable-va-medical-opinions/
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