While medical and scientific research cannot replace a nexus opinion from a licensed physician, it is an important tool for veterans to both understand the nature of their disability and advance their disability compensation claim before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA disability claims commonly address difficult issues regarding etiology for a disability or differential diagnoses. This is particularly true when the issues involves environmental toxin exposure, such as Agent Orange, water contamination issues from Camp Lejeune, or asbestos-related claims.
Google Scholar is a terrific starting point for a veteran to both understand the medical and scientific literature associated with their disability and/or condition. Additionally, providing that literature to a private physician – who may be unaware that a disease or condition may be associated with the veteran’s service – may be the turning point for that physician to proffer a medical opinion regarding etiology. A link to Google Scholar can be found at http://scholar.google.com/ and please do not hesitate to contact me at sdirector@FRE-L.com or (732) 382-6070 if you have any questions regarding VA benefits.