Trajector Medical is a private consulting company that assists veterans in pursuing disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The company’s primary function is to develop specialized medical evidence designed to strengthen a veteran’s claim for service-connected conditions. By focusing on the medical documentation required by the VA, they aim to help veterans accurately represent the severity and origin of their disabilities. Their services supplement the resources available through Veterans Service Organizations and VA-accredited representatives.
Defining Trajector Medical’s Core Services
Trajector Medical centers its services on creating comprehensive medical evidence packets for submission to the VA. This process begins with an in-depth review of the veteran’s entire medical history, including service treatment records and existing private medical documentation. Licensed medical professionals, such as nurse practitioners and registered nurses, conduct one-on-one sessions. These sessions map a veteran’s current symptoms to potential disabilities and diagnoses, ensuring no relevant condition is overlooked during claim preparation.
A core component of their offering is assistance with developing “nexus letters,” also known as Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs). A nexus letter is a formal statement from a qualified healthcare provider that establishes a link between a veteran’s current medical condition and an incident during military service. This expert opinion must state that the condition is “at least as likely as not” service-connected, which is the necessary standard of proof for the VA. The company provides medically sound documentation that meets the VA’s strict evidentiary requirements: proof of a current diagnosis, an in-service event, and the medical link between the two.
The Client Process for VA Disability Claims
The client journey begins with an initial evaluation or discovery phase. Staff identify the veteran’s current disability ratings and potential new claims by reviewing symptoms and service history. This consultation helps identify conditions that may be underrated or previously unclaimed. This phase determines the specific medical evidence development plan needed to support the veteran’s goals for increased compensation.
Next, the veteran is guided through a documentation gathering process, collecting necessary records like the DD214 and existing medical records from VA and private providers. The veteran then participates in clinical sessions with a licensed medical professional to document their medical history and current functional limitations. These sessions build the foundation of the medical evidence report. They ensure the veteran’s story is clearly translated into clinical language.
Once the medical evidence is compiled, the company finalizes the comprehensive report, including any necessary nexus statements or IMOs. The veteran is provided with this completed medical packet to submit to the VA as new evidence supporting their claim. Trajector Medical does not act as an accredited representative. Therefore, the veteran maintains responsibility for the official submission of the claim forms and the accompanying medical evidence packet.
Understanding the Business Model and Fee Structure
Trajector Medical operates on a contingency fee model. The veteran only incurs a charge if the services result in a successful outcome, such as a new disability award or an increase in an existing rating. The company does not charge upfront fees for medical evidence development and consulting services. This structure allows veterans to access assistance without paying out-of-pocket costs at the beginning of the process.
The fee is calculated as a multiple of the resulting increase in the veteran’s monthly disability compensation. A common fee structure is an amount equal to five times the monthly increase in benefits the veteran receives. For example, if a veteran’s monthly compensation increases by $500, the fee owed to the company would be $2,500. The company argues this fee covers medical consulting and evidence development, distinct from the legal work of preparing or prosecuting a claim, which is regulated by the VA.
Ensuring Quality and Ethical Standards in Claims Assistance
The company maintains that its operations are fully compliant with federal law and VA policy regarding a veteran’s right to submit private medical evidence. This commitment is outlined in internal protocols, including the “Do It Right, Say It Right” principles, emphasizing transparency and accuracy. The focus is on providing objective, clinically sound reports that adhere to the medical standards necessary for a VA decision-maker to consider the evidence.
Trajector Medical distinguishes its medical evidence services from the advocacy and legal representation provided by VA-accredited agents or attorneys. By focusing solely on medical documentation, the company asserts that it operates within the scope of medical consulting. This consulting is regulated by state medical boards rather than VA accreditation standards, a distinction central to their business model.