Question:
Can a local Pulmonologist write a nexus letter for my dad? Does it help if the doctor is a Veteran himself?
Jim's Reply:
Yes, any qualified physician can write a letter in support of a claim. We usually call that an IMO or Independent Medical Opinion rather than a nexus letter. All too often though the VA won't assign appropriate weight to a physician's letter because the doctor doesn't use the correct terminology...the words VA needs to hear in order to make a proper decision. This is one reason there are professional disability physicians who specialize in reviewing medical records and writing opinions using the phrasing VA must have.
More info is here https://www.vawatchdog.org/imo-ime-medical-opinions-exams.html