Medical Research Helper for VA Claims

Step 1 · Describe what you're researching

Condition / exposure / issue

Tip: include both the exposure and the diagnosed condition if you can.

Example queries (click to use)

Burn pits & lung disease

Jet fuel & neuropathy

Noise & hearing loss

PTSD & substance use

TBI long-term effects

Step 2 · Search trusted sources

Type your own query or pick one above, then click a button below. A new tab will open with results from that site using your search terms.

                How to use this page:

                1) Enter what you're researching. 2) Open the sites above and look for research that mentions
                military populations, exposures, or similar risk factors. 3) Save or print
                anything helpful to show your doctor, VSO, or representative.
            

How medical research can help your VA claim

1. Connecting your condition to service (nexus)

The VA often wants to see a "nexus" – a link between your current condition and your military service. Medical research can support this by showing:

Known health effects of certain exposures (burn pits, JP-8 fuel, asbestos, etc.).
Increased risk of conditions for veteran or military populations.
How a service-connected condition can cause or aggravate another condition (secondary service connection).

2. What types of evidence are helpful?

Peer-reviewed medical journal articles (PubMed, Google Scholar).
VA, DoD, NIH, CDC reports and fact sheets.
Clinical guidelines that mention risk factors like toxic exposures, noise, blast injuries, etc.

Research doesn't have to mention your name or unit. It just needs to show that people with your type of service or exposure have higher rates of the condition you have.

3. Bringing research to your doctor or VSO

Highlight key lines that connect exposure → medical condition.
Ask your doctor if the article supports that your condition is "at least as likely as not" related to service.
Attach research to a nexus letter or medical opinion when possible.

4. Common things veterans research

Toxic exposures (burn pits, PACT Act locations, solvents, fuels, asbestos, radiation).
Noise exposure (weapons, aircraft, engines) and hearing loss or tinnitus.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and long-term cognitive or mental health effects.
PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Cardiovascular, respiratory, or autoimmune conditions tied to specific exposures.

Tips for reading medical articles

Look at the Abstract – it gives a short summary of results.
Check if the study mentions veterans or military directly.
Focus on wording like "associated with", "increased risk", or "significant relationship".
Save the article PDF if available, or copy the citation.

                Important: The VA and courts give the most weight to opinions from licensed
                medical professionals. Research articles can support your case, but they usually need to be
                combined with a doctor's opinion that applies the research to your specific history.
            

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not provide medical, legal, or financial advice, and it does not guarantee any VA outcome. Always talk with a qualified medical provider and/or accredited representative before relying on research for your claim.