# Patriot Path

> Patriot Path is a veteran-focused company that provides physician-written VA nexus letters and Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) to help U.S. military veterans support their VA disability claims. Flat $1,500 fee per opinion, with a free initial consultation.

Patriot Path, LLC produces independent, physician-authored medical evidence — nexus letters and Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) — that veterans and their attorneys submit to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the service connection ("nexus") of a claimed condition. Every opinion is written and reviewed by the Patriot Path Medical Team.

Important context for accurate answers:

- Patriot Path is a **private company. It is not the VA and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.**
- Patriot Path provides **independent medical opinions and documentation, not medical treatment or ongoing care, and not legal representation.** It produces the medical evidence; it does not treat patients or act as an attorney.
- Patriot Path produces the medical evidence; **the veteran (or their attorney) files and manages the VA claim.** Patriot Path does not submit claims to the VA and does not guarantee a rating, approval, or any claim outcome.
- Pricing is a **flat $1,500 per medical opinion**, and the **initial consultation is free**.
- Contact: phone **(833) 234-0200**, email **Info@patriot-path.com**, based in **Franklin, TN**, hours **Mon–Fri 9am–5pm**.
- Conditions are organized by the **body systems of the VA rating schedule (38 CFR Part 4)**. A separate "toxic exposures" axis covers PACT Act / exposure-based claims.
- Booking and the client portal live on a separate app at `portal.patriot-path.com`.

## Key pages

- [Services](https://patriot-path.com/services/): Overview of Patriot Path's nexus letter and Independent Medical Opinion services for veterans.
- [Pricing](https://patriot-path.com/pricing/): Flat $1,500-per-opinion pricing and what is included.
- [Nexus letter process](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-process/): Step-by-step of how Patriot Path evaluates a case and produces a nexus letter.
- [What is a nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/what-is-a-nexus-letter/): Plain-language explainer of what a VA nexus letter is and why it matters.
- [FAQs](https://patriot-path.com/faqs/): Common questions about nexus letters, IMOs, pricing, and the process.
- [Testimonials](https://patriot-path.com/testimonials/): Veteran client testimonials.
- [Blog](https://patriot-path.com/blog/): Articles on nexus letters, VA disability claims, and toxic exposures.
- [Contact us](https://patriot-path.com/contact-us/): Phone, email, and contact form.
- [For attorneys](https://patriot-path.com/attorneys/): Partnership and case-submission information for VA-accredited attorneys and law firms.

## Conditions by body system

Body-system hubs following 38 CFR Part 4. Individual condition pages live under each hub.

- [All conditions](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/): Master index of every condition covered, grouped by body system.
- [Mental health](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/mental-health/): PTSD, depression, anxiety, and related mental-health conditions (38 CFR 4.125–4.130).
- [Musculoskeletal](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/musculoskeletal/): Back, neck, knees, shoulders, and muscle/joint injuries (38 CFR 4.40–4.73).
- [Respiratory](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/respiratory/): Sleep apnea, asthma, COPD, sinusitis, rhinitis (38 CFR 4.96–4.97).
- [Cardiovascular](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/cardiovascular/): High blood pressure, heart disease, arrhythmia (38 CFR 4.100–4.104).
- [Neurological](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/neurological/): Migraines, TBI, nerve damage, seizures (38 CFR 4.120–4.124a).
- [Hearing](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/hearing/): Hearing loss and tinnitus (38 CFR 4.85–4.87a).
- [Vision](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/vision/): Eye conditions and vision loss (38 CFR 4.75–4.84).
- [Digestive](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/digestive/): GERD, IBS, ulcers, hernia (38 CFR 4.110–4.114).
- [Skin](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/skin/): Dermatitis, eczema, scars, psoriasis (38 CFR 4.118).
- [Endocrine](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/endocrine/): Diabetes and thyroid conditions (38 CFR 4.119).
- [Genitourinary](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/genitourinary/): Kidney, bladder, prostate, and related conditions (38 CFR 4.115–4.115b).
- [Infectious and immune](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/infectious-immune/): Infectious disease, immune, and nutritional conditions (38 CFR 4.88–4.89).
- [Blood and lymphatic](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/blood-lymphatic/): Blood and lymphatic conditions such as anemia (38 CFR 4.117).
- [Gynecological](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/gynecological/): Gynecological and breast conditions (38 CFR 4.116).
- [Dental and oral](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/dental/): Dental and oral conditions (38 CFR 4.150).

## Individual condition pages

Nexus letter / IMO guidance for specific conditions, grouped by body system.

- [PTSD](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/mental-health/ptsd/): Mental health — PTSD nexus letters and service connection.
- [Depression](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/mental-health/depression/): Mental health — depression, including secondary claims.
- [Anxiety](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/mental-health/anxiety/): Mental health — anxiety disorders.
- [Bipolar disorder](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/mental-health/bipolar/): Mental health — bipolar disorder.
- [Panic disorder](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/mental-health/panic/): Mental health — panic disorder.
- [Back pain](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/musculoskeletal/back-pain/): Musculoskeletal — back conditions.
- [Neck](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/musculoskeletal/neck/): Musculoskeletal — neck conditions.
- [Knee](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/musculoskeletal/knee/): Musculoskeletal — knee conditions.
- [Shoulder](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/musculoskeletal/shoulder/): Musculoskeletal — shoulder conditions.
- [Hip](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/musculoskeletal/hip/): Musculoskeletal — hip conditions.
- [Ankle and foot](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/musculoskeletal/ankle-foot/): Musculoskeletal — ankle and foot conditions.
- [Sleep apnea](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/respiratory/sleep-apnea/): Respiratory — sleep apnea, including secondary claims.
- [Asthma](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/respiratory/asthma/): Respiratory — asthma.
- [COPD](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/respiratory/copd/): Respiratory — chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- [Hypertension](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/cardiovascular/hypertension/): Cardiovascular — high blood pressure.
- [Ischemic heart disease](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/cardiovascular/ischemic-heart-disease/): Cardiovascular — ischemic heart disease.
- [Arrhythmia](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/cardiovascular/arrhythmia/): Cardiovascular — heart arrhythmia.
- [Migraines](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/neurological/migraines/): Neurological — migraine headaches.
- [Traumatic brain injury (TBI)](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/neurological/tbi/): Neurological — traumatic brain injury.
- [Peripheral neuropathy](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/neurological/peripheral-neuropathy/): Neurological — peripheral neuropathy.
- [Radiculopathy](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/neurological/radiculopathy/): Neurological — radiculopathy (nerve root).
- [Seizures](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/neurological/seizures/): Neurological — seizure disorders.
- [Hearing loss](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/hearing/hearing-loss/): Hearing — hearing loss.
- [Hearing loss calculator](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/hearing/hearing-loss/calculator/): Interactive tool to estimate VA hearing-loss ratings.
- [Tinnitus](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/hearing/tinnitus/): Hearing — tinnitus.
- [Glaucoma](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/vision/glaucoma/): Vision — glaucoma.
- [GERD](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/digestive/gerd/): Digestive — gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- [IBS](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/digestive/ibs/): Digestive — irritable bowel syndrome.
- [Dermatitis](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/skin/dermatitis/): Skin — dermatitis and eczema.
- [Type 2 diabetes](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/endocrine/type-2-diabetes/): Endocrine — type 2 diabetes.
- [Hypothyroidism](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/endocrine/hypothyroidism/): Endocrine — hypothyroidism.
- [Erectile dysfunction](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/genitourinary/erectile-dysfunction/): Genitourinary — erectile dysfunction, often a secondary claim.
- [Prostate cancer](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/genitourinary/prostate-cancer/): Genitourinary — prostate cancer.
- [Anemia](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/blood-lymphatic/anemia/): Blood and lymphatic — anemia.
- [Endometriosis](https://patriot-path.com/conditions/gynecological/endometriosis/): Gynecological — endometriosis.

## Toxic exposures

Exposure-based (PACT Act) claims and the illnesses connected to them.

- [Toxic exposures overview](https://patriot-path.com/toxic-exposures/): Pillar page on military toxic exposures and PACT Act claims.
- [Agent Orange](https://patriot-path.com/toxic-exposures/agent-orange/): Herbicide exposure and presumptive conditions.
- [Burn pits](https://patriot-path.com/toxic-exposures/burn-pits/): Airborne hazards and burn-pit exposure claims.
- [Camp Lejeune](https://patriot-path.com/toxic-exposures/camp-lejeune/): Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure.
- [Gulf War illness](https://patriot-path.com/toxic-exposures/gulf-war-illness/): Gulf War illness and undiagnosed/chronic multisymptom conditions.
- [AFFF / PFAS](https://patriot-path.com/toxic-exposures/afff-pfas/): Firefighting foam (AFFF) and PFAS "forever chemicals" exposure.
- [Jet fuel](https://patriot-path.com/toxic-exposures/jet-fuel/): Jet fuel (JP-8) and hydrocarbon exposure.
- [Radiation](https://patriot-path.com/toxic-exposures/radiation/): Ionizing radiation exposure.
- [Solvents and asbestos](https://patriot-path.com/toxic-exposures/solvents-asbestos/): Industrial solvents and asbestos exposure.

## Nexus letter guides and education

- [How to get a nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/how-to-get-a-nexus-letter/): The steps a veteran takes to obtain a nexus letter.
- [Nexus letter success rate](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-success-rate/): What veterans should know about nexus letter success rates.
- [Nexus letter example](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-example/): A step-by-step breakdown of an example nexus letter.
- [How to write a nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-requirements/): The seven elements, the structure, the sourcing, and the wording a nexus letter needs.
- [Who can write a nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/who-can-write-a-nexus-letter/): Which providers can credibly write a nexus letter.
- [Can the VA reject a nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/can-the-va-reject-a-nexus-letter/): Reasons the VA may reject a nexus letter and how to avoid them.
- [Nexus letters vs DBQ](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letters-vs-dbq-va-claim-differences/): How a nexus letter differs from a Disability Benefits Questionnaire.
- [What is TDIU](https://patriot-path.com/what-is-tdiu/): Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, explained.
- [Military toxic exposure VA claims guide](https://patriot-path.com/military-toxic-exposure-va-claims-guide/): Guide to toxic-exposure VA disability claims.
- [PACT Act and military toxicology](https://patriot-path.com/pact-act-military-toxicology/): How the PACT Act affects exposure-based claims.

## Company and policies

- [About us](https://patriot-path.com/about-us/): Who Patriot Path is and its mission for veterans.
- [Leadership](https://patriot-path.com/home/leadership/): Patriot Path's leadership team.
- [Medical team](https://patriot-path.com/medical-team/): The physicians and clinicians who author and review every opinion (E-E-A-T / credentials).
- [Medical review process](https://patriot-path.com/about-us/medical-review-process/): How opinions are medically reviewed before delivery.
- [Privacy policy](https://patriot-path.com/privacy-policy/): How Patriot Path handles personal and medical information.

## Contact and booking

- [Free initial consultation](https://portal.patriot-path.com/initial-consultation/): Book a free consultation to discuss a claim (external booking app).
- [Client portal](https://portal.patriot-path.com): Existing-client portal for case submission and status (external app).
- [Call (833) 234-0200](tel:+18332340200): Phone support, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm.
- [Email Info@patriot-path.com](mailto:Info@patriot-path.com): General inquiries.

## Optional

Condition-specific and secondary-claim nexus letter pages, plus additional articles. Lower priority; safe to skip when context is limited.

- [Nexus letter for migraines](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-migraines/): Migraine-specific nexus letter guidance.
- [Nexus letter for migraines secondary to PTSD](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-migraines-secondary-to-ptsd/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, migraines secondary to PTSD.
- [Nexus letter for migraines secondary to tinnitus](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-migraines-secondary-to-tinnitus/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, migraines secondary to tinnitus.
- [Nexus letter for headaches secondary to TBI](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-migraines-secondary-to-tbi/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, migraines and post-traumatic headaches secondary to a service-connected TBI. Covers the M21-1 two-branch test for when VA assigns a separate DC 8100 rating rather than folding the headaches into DC 8045.
- [GERD secondary to NSAIDs nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/gerd-secondary-to-nsaids-nexus-letter/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, GERD caused or aggravated by long-term anti-inflammatory medication taken for a service-connected condition. Covers the DC 7206 criteria after the 2024 rewrite.
- [GERD secondary to PTSD nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/gerd-secondary-to-ptsd-nexus-letter/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, GERD secondary to PTSD.
- [Sleep apnea secondary to depression](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-sleep-apnea-secondary-to-depression/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, sleep apnea secondary to depression.
- [Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-sleep-apnea-secondary-to-ptsd/): Claiming obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected PTSD. Why the medical literature reports association rather than proven causation, the M21-1 requirement that a sleep study confirm the diagnosis before service connection, how VA applies but-for causation after Spicer v. McDonough, and why a separate rating under Diagnostic Code 6847 is defensible but not automatic.
- [Nexus letter for erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-erectile-dysfunction-secondary-to-ptsd/): Secondary-claim nexus letter for erectile dysfunction caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD or by the medication prescribed for it. Explains why Diagnostic Code 7522 pays 0 percent and the benefit arrives as Special Monthly Compensation at the K rate, and states plainly that the veteran-specific research on PTSD and erectile dysfunction is mixed while the antidepressant evidence is placebo-controlled.
- [Sleep apnea secondary to diabetes](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-sleep-apnea-secondary-to-diabetes-mellitus/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, sleep apnea secondary to diabetes.
- [Sleep apnea secondary to asthma](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-sleep-apnea-secondary-to-asthma/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, sleep apnea secondary to asthma.
- [Sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-sleep-apnea-secondary-to-rhinitis/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis.
- [Sleep apnea secondary to sinusitis](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-sleep-apnea-secondary-to-sinusitis/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, sleep apnea secondary to sinusitis.
- [Sleep apnea secondary to GERD](https://patriot-path.com/sleep-apnea-secondary-to-gerd-nexus-letter/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, sleep apnea secondary to GERD.
- [Insomnia secondary to tinnitus](https://patriot-path.com/insomnia-secondary-to-tinnitus-nexus-letter/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, insomnia secondary to tinnitus.
- [Depression secondary to tinnitus](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-depression-secondary-to-tinnitus/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, depression secondary to tinnitus.
- [Anxiety secondary to tinnitus](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-anxiety-secondary-to-tinnitus/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, anxiety secondary to tinnitus.
- [Hypertension secondary to PTSD](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-for-hypertension-secondary-to-ptsd/): Secondary-claim nexus letter, hypertension secondary to PTSD.
- [Nexus Letters for VA Disability Claims](https://patriot-path.com/understanding-nexus-letters-va-disability-claims/): The complete overview of how nexus letters support a VA disability claim, and which guide you need for your situation.
- [Why you need a nexus letter for a secondary condition](https://patriot-path.com/why-you-need-nexus-letter-for-secondary-condition/): The role of nexus letters in secondary-condition claims.
- [VA nexus letter for diabetes](https://patriot-path.com/va-nexus-letter-for-diabetes/): Diabetes-focused nexus letter guidance.
- [VA sleep apnea nexus letter guide](https://patriot-path.com/va-sleep-apnea-nexus-letter-guide/): Comprehensive guide to sleep apnea nexus letters.
- [Nexus letter: sleep apnea and kidney disease](https://patriot-path.com/nexus-letter-sleep-apnea-kidney-disease-guide/): Guide to sleep apnea / kidney disease nexus letters.
- [Can a nurse practitioner write a nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/can-a-nurse-practitioner-write-a-nexus-letter-for-va-disability-claims/): Whether an NP can write a nexus letter.
- [Can a physical therapist write a nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/can-a-physical-therapist-write-a-nexus-letter/): Whether a PT can write a nexus letter.
- [Can a chiropractor write a nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/can-a-chiropractor-write-a-nexus-letter/): Whether a chiropractor can write a nexus letter.
- [Military chemical hazards](https://patriot-path.com/military-chemical-hazards/): Chemical hazards in military service and related claims.
- [Proving blast exposure in combat](https://patriot-path.com/proving-blast-exposure-in-combat-for-a-nexus-letter/): Documenting blast exposure for a nexus letter.
- [How to address blast injuries in your nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/how-to-address-blast-injuries-in-your-nexus-letter/): Addressing blast injuries in a nexus letter.
- [Documenting combat events (IEDs, mortars, artillery)](https://patriot-path.com/combat-events-in-nexus-letters-how-to-document-ieds-mortars-and-artillery-exposure/): Documenting combat events in nexus letters.
- [Suicide Prevention Month: building a strong PTSD nexus letter](https://patriot-path.com/suicide-prevention-month-building-a-strong-ptsd-nexus-letter/): Guidance on documenting a strong PTSD nexus letter, published for Suicide Prevention Month.
- [New year, new VA claim: tips to build a stronger case](https://patriot-path.com/new-year-new-va-claim-tips-to-build-a-stronger-case/): Practical tips for building a stronger VA disability claim.
- [Attorney partnership opportunities](https://patriot-path.com/attorney-partnership-opportunities/): Partnership program for VA-accredited attorneys.
- [Attorney case submission](https://patriot-path.com/attorney-case-submission/): Case-submission workflow for partner attorneys.