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What Documents Should You Gather for a Mental Health Nexus Letter or DBQ?

by Deborah Miller, PhD, HSPP - Owner and Lead Psychologist at vetnexusletter.com

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When you’re preparing a claim for VA disability benefits related to mental health, the strength of your case often comes down to documentation. As an independent psychologist providing nexus letters and DBQs, I can only give you the most thorough and well-supported evaluation if I have the right records to review. Below is a checklist of the documents you should gather—and where to find them. (Please note, some of these records are recommended but not absolutely necessary in every case.)


1. DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)


Your DD214 is the cornerstone of your claim. It shows your service dates, character of discharge, and other key details.


2. VA Health Records (Blue Button Report)


The VA’s “Blue Button” tool lets you download your health records, including mental health notes, labs, and prescriptions.

  • Why I need it: Provides a timeline of your mental health symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment.

  • How to get it: Log in to My HealtheVet at https://www.myhealth.va.gov/, click “Health Records,” then “Download My Data (Blue Button).”


3. Service Treatment Records (STRs)


If you sought treatment or reported mental health symptoms while in service, those notes will be in your STRs.


4. Private Medical and Mental Health Records


If you’ve been treated by non-VA doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists, those records are just as important.

  • Why I need it: They fill in gaps and show continuity of your condition over time.

  • How to get it: Contact your providers’ offices directly. Under HIPAA, you have the right to request copies of your records. Most offices will provide them within 30 days.


5. Lay Statements (Buddy Statements) and Personal Statements


Statements from friends, family, or fellow service members can be powerful, as can your own personal description of your experiences that are leading you to submit a VA disability claim. They can describe changes they observed in your behavior, mood, or functioning since your time in service.

  • Why I need it: They support your claim by providing real-world observations of your struggles. These are especially necessary if you are claiming a mental health condition but have not sought much mental health treatment.

  • How to get it: VA has a form—VA Form 21-10210 (Lay/Witness Statement)—available at https://www.va.gov/find-forms/. Encourage your friends or family to be detailed and specific,

  • Here's advice on how to write a good lay statement that meets VA guidelines for credibility.

  • If you're claiming PTSD due to military trauma (combat or personal/MST), the VA will need this form, and so will Dr. Miller: VA Form 21-0781


6. Other Helpful Records


  • Personnel Records: Can include performance reviews, disciplinary actions, or awards that may reflect changes in functioning. Request through the National Archives (same link as above).

  • Medication Lists: Whether VA or private, these help track treatment history.

  • Employment or School Records: If your mental health condition caused attendance issues, disciplinary problems, or accommodations, these can further support your case.


Final Thoughts

The more complete your documentation, the stronger my independent evaluation and nexus opinion will be. Think of your file as telling your story with evidence—from service through today. By preparing these records in advance, you’re giving your claim the best possible foundation.


If you're interested in working with Dr. Miller and her team for a mental health nexus letter and/or independent exam/DBQ, fill out this form and we will contact you ASAP.

 
 
 

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