Common questions.
If your question is not answered here, ask on the contact form and a clinician will respond.
What is a nexus opinion and how does it differ from a nexus letter?
A nexus opinion is a full independent medical opinion: it includes the evaluator's credentials, a records list, a summary of the clinical interview, the diagnostic criteria applied, the opinion stated to the applicable probability standard, and a written rationale. A nexus letter, as the phrase is commonly used, is a shorter statement from a treating or reviewing clinician that may or may not include a records list or rationale. Both can be evidence; a full opinion carries more of the four things a reviewer weighs.
Can a private evaluation be used in place of a C&P exam?
No. A private evaluation does not replace a Compensation and Pension exam. It is additional evidence the VA must weigh alongside other evidence in the file.
Will you write me a favorable opinion?
We write favorable opinions only when the clinical evidence supports one. The free record screening exists so you find out, before paying for a full evaluation, whether the record is likely to support the opinion you need.
Is this covered by insurance?
No. Independent evaluations for disability claims are private-pay and flat-fee. Fees are disclosed before commitment and are never tied to a benefits outcome.
Who conducts the evaluation and what are their credentials?
Evaluations are conducted by licensed clinicians whose credentials are documented in every report. Signing evaluators for SSDI reports meet the SSA acceptable medical source standard under 20 CFR 404.1502(a). Signing evaluator credentials are listed on the About page.
How is my information protected?
All scheduling, records upload, and report delivery run through a HIPAA-compliant platform under a Business Associate Agreement. The public contact form does not accept protected health information; a notice on the form states this.
Do you help file my claim?
No. Provenance Evaluations does not prepare or file claims, represent claimants, or advise on claim strategy. For representation, use a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization. The VA accreditation search tool is linked on the VA evaluations page.
How long does it take?
From complete records to delivered report, the standard window is [7 to 10] business days. Rush delivery is available for an additional fee, subject to availability.
What records should I gather first?
For a VA claim: DD214, service treatment records, prior VA decision letters, and post-service treatment records for the condition at issue. For an SSDI claim: prior SSA determinations, treatment records covering the last two years or the relevant period, and a work history summary.