Thank you for your interest in working with Dr. Geier and his team on your VA disability claim. We have tried to create a process that is simple and quick for you. Here are some questions we often receive about the Veteran Nexus letters and DBQs Dr. Geier does, with the answers and explanations. Hopefully this information helps you as you decide to work with Dr. Geier. If you have any questions not addressed on this page, please contact Dr. Geier’s assistant at jennifer@drdavidgeier.com. Please note that any questions unrelated to a Veteran’s disability claim will be deleted without response.
What is the difference between a Nexus letter and a DBQ?
A Nexus letter, or Independent Medical Opinion, is a letter from a medical expert that argues your injury or condition is related to your prior military service. It involves reviewing your service and medical records and then using both medical experience and expertise as well as published scientific studies to persuasively opine that your injury or condition is related to your service.
A Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) is a report of a physical exam for your injury or condition. It is often used to more fully argue an injury or condition should be service-connected. It can also serve as “new and relevant material” for your claim or as medical evidence to support a higher disability percentage.
How much does a Nexus letter or DBQ cost?
For a particular injury or condition, Dr. Geier charges $1500 for the review of service and medical records, determination of service connection, and drafting a 8- to 15-page Nexus letter with an executive summary. He sends the letter to you so you can look over it and make any suggested edits, free of additional charge.
Dr. Geier charges $1,500 for a DBQ exam and the completed DBQ report.
Can I include all of my injuries or conditions in one Nexus letter?
The number and type of injuries or conditions for which Dr. Geier argues on your behalf within one Nexus letter depend on the specifics in your particular case (secondary injuries to already service-connected injuries and other factors). Contact Jennifer at the email below to discuss your specific needs.
Does Dr. Geier write Nexus letters for medical conditions other than orthopedic injuries?
Dr. Geier mainly focuses on orthopedic injuries and conditions, as those are his area of expertise. Having said that, he occasionally writes Nexus letters for non-orthopedic medical conditions, especially if you have worked with him or are working with him on another orthopedic injury claim. Contact Jennifer at the email below to discuss your specific needs.
I have been previously denied for a disability claim. Can Dr. Geier write a rebuttal letter?
Yes. Dr. Geier and his team do rebuttal letters and other form completion on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances in each case. Contact Jennifer at the email below to discuss your specific needs.
How can I get my medical and service records to Dr. Geier?
We accept medical and service records sent to us as digital files (PDFs). You can email them to Dr. Geier’s assistant Jennifer, or you can use our free transfer service – WeTransfer. Jennifer can share the link for that service. We cannot accept paper records or records on discs. If you have questions about how to obtain your records from the VA or outside physicians, you should contact your VSO.
How long does the process take?
From the time we receive your completed questionnaire, medical and service records, Jennifer will send you a link to schedule and pay for the Nexus letter or DBQ. In almost all cases, Dr. Geier delivers the Nexus letter first draft within 7 to 10 days of scheduling. He performs one round of edits you deem necessary within the next 3 days.
A DBQ exam is usually performed, via videoconference, within 10 to 14 days of scheduling. Dr. Geier then delivers the completed DBQ form within 7 days of that exam.
Will I see Dr. Geier as a patient in his practice?
No, Dr. Geier does this work for Veterans because he believes that you’re a hero for serving our country. He wants to be your guide and trusted advisor through this process, to help you get the medical advice and compensation you deserve as a military Veteran. But he performs this work independent of his medical practice, and you would not be one of his patients.
How do I schedule or set up a Nexus letter or DBQ?
Once you have sent your service records and medical records to Jennifer, she will have you complete a short questionnaire that gives Dr. Geier more insight into your claim, including injuries that occurred during service (even if you did not seek medical attention or don’t have records) and physical duties performed during that time. Then she will send you a link to schedule through our online scheduling and payment system.
If it’s a DBQ exam, you will choose a date and time for the exam, to be performed by videoconference. If it’s for a Nexus letter, you will choose a date to receive the first draft of the letter.
There is no videoconference or phone call with Dr. Geier for a Nexus letter.
What if I’m not sure which of my injuries or conditions I should try to get service-connected?
When filing a VA disability claim, consider getting the help of a veteran service officer (VSO). He or she is trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes, and therefore can help you determine the likelihood that your injury or condition could be service-connected. The VSO can also help you obtain your records, complete the claim paperwork, and check on the status of your claim.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Geier’s assistant Jennifer at Jennifer@DrDavidGeier.com. Please note, all inquiries to this address unrelated to Veteran Nexus letters or DBQs will be deleted with no response.