Independent psychiatric evaluations · California & Virginia
Psychiatric Nexus letter evaluations
in California & Virginia.
Beverly M. Strunk, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, Navy veteran, and former VA Compensation & Pension psychiatrist. She offers independent psychiatric evaluations for veterans seeking a medical opinion about mental health and military service for a VA disability claim.
Ask about a Nexus evaluation Meet Dr. Strunk: Navy and VA experience
You must be in California or Virginia.
The person being evaluated must be physically located in California or Virginia at the time of the evaluation. This is not a nationwide evaluation service.
A careful review. An independent opinion.
A psychiatric Nexus evaluation considers whether a medical opinion can be supported by the clinical findings and available evidence. Records, history, the evaluation question, and the agreed scope all matter.
Paying for an evaluation does not purchase a particular conclusion. A favorable opinion, specific disability rating, or VA benefits decision cannot be guaranteed. These evaluations are separate from ongoing treatment.
Start with an inquiry.
Evaluation fee: $1,500, including review of up to 150 pages of records. For larger files, any additional records-review fee will be quoted and agreed upon before review begins. The clinic will confirm the evaluation scope before you proceed.
Email the clinic to ask about fit and availability. Include your name, preferred reply contact, the state where you will be located, and any scheduling deadline.
Please do not send medical records, diagnoses, discharge details, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information in this first email.
Email a Nexus inquiryOpens your email app. Nothing is sent until you review and send the email.
How the process starts
- Tell us the administrative basics. Your location, deadline, and how to reach you are enough to start.
- Confirm scope, availability, and fees. The clinic will discuss what is being requested and whether it is a fit before an evaluation is arranged.
- Arrange the next steps. Wait for instructions before sending records or detailed personal history.
Questions about psychiatric Nexus evaluations
What is a psychiatric Nexus letter?
A psychiatric Nexus letter is a medical opinion addressing a possible relationship between a mental-health condition and military service. An independent evaluation considers the clinical history and available records to determine what opinion, if any, the evidence supports. Strunk Medical is an independent practice, not the Department of Veterans Affairs; the VA makes its own benefits decisions.
Can I have a virtual evaluation in California or Virginia?
Evaluation inquiries are welcome from veterans who will be physically located in California or Virginia for the virtual appointment. Being a resident of one of these states is not enough if you will be elsewhere during the visit. Confirm your location and the requested evaluation scope with the clinic before scheduling.
How soon can I get an evaluation or letter?
Include your deadline in your initial inquiry. Availability and timing depend on the requested scope and the records that need review. The clinic will confirm what can be accommodated before you proceed; an inquiry does not reserve a date or guarantee a turnaround time.
What information should I have ready?
For a later intake, have your service branch and dates, the evaluation question, discharge information, relevant mental-health history, records availability and approximate page count, and any deadline ready. Do not put sensitive details into the initial email.
Do you guarantee a Nexus letter supporting my claim?
No. Any opinion must reflect the evidence and clinical findings. The evaluation may not support the conclusion being sought, and the VA makes its own benefits decisions.
How much does an evaluation cost?
The evaluation fee is $1,500 and includes review of up to 150 pages of records. If your file exceeds 150 pages, the clinic will provide a separate quote for the additional records review, which must be agreed upon before review begins. The requested evaluation scope and timing will also be confirmed before proceeding.
Is this scheduled through Headway?
No. Use the Nexus email inquiry link for independent evaluations. Headway scheduling is for outpatient psychiatric treatment.
What about QME evaluations?
For QME matters, contact Expedient directly. They are not scheduled through this website.
An inquiry does not establish a doctor-patient relationship or guarantee acceptance of an evaluation. This website is not an emergency service. For immediate danger, call 911; for mental-health crisis support, call or text 988.