Medical-Legal Consulting Services
VA Disability & Complex Medical Nexus Opinions
Who We Are
Merchant Medical Legal Consulting provides medical-legal consulting services for attorneys and representatives handling VA disability claims and medically complex cases where causation, aggravation, or functional impact is disputed or denied.
We specialize in expert medical opinions, thorough medical record review, and VA-aligned medical rationale that addresses the elements adjudicators rely on when evaluating claims.
Our work is focused on clarifying medical causation, strengthening the evidentiary record, and providing objective, defensible medical opinions in accordance with 38CFR.
VA Nexus Opinions & Medical-Legal Service
We support law firms nationwide with expert medical opinions and analysis tailored to the VA disability claims process, including:
- Medical Nexus Letters (Secondary & Aggravation)
- Psychiatric & Behavioral Health-Related Conditions
- Functional Impact & Analysis
- Medical Record Review & Chronologies
- Complex Causation & Aggravation Opinions
Each opinion is based on comprehensive record review, accepted and cited medical research and principles, and VA-appropriate language designed to clearly explain why a medical relationship exists.
Why Medical Rationale Matters in VA Claims
The VA does not approve claims based on diagnosis alone. Claims often stall or get denied when the medical nexus is missing, unclear, or poorly explained.
A strong medical opinion must:
- Identify the correct nexus theory (direct, secondary, or aggravation)
- Address the Veteran’s medical history and reported symptoms
- Explain causation in clear, logical terms
- Discuss functional impact when relevant
- Withstand comparison to VA examiner opinions
Our role is to strengthen the medical foundation of a claim when nexus is the deciding factor.
Our Medical-Legal Approach
- Provide comprehensive review of service and post-service medical records through evidence-based medical reasoning, grounded in accepted standards.
- Records-review–based opinions aligned with VA adjudication criteria and 38CFR
- Flexible intake process tailored to each firm’s workflow
We do not guarantee outcomes. We provide objective medical opinions designed to increase clarity, probative value, and evidentiary strength.
Who We Work With
- VA disability law firms
- Veteran advocacy organizations
- Attorneys handling medically complex causation cases
Whether you manage high-volume VA claims or select complex cases requiring detailed medical analysis, our services are structured to integrate seamlessly into your process.