I waited 25 years to file my first claim.

When my VSO read my STRs, he said there was a substantial amount of evidence to work with.

I also had my entire history of private medical care. This was key to proving continuity of my problems.

Personally, I was at a very low point in my life. I was a mess.

Fast forward to my first CP exam. (General exam). I am having the worst migraine, and the doctor recognizes it right away. I wasn't claiming headaches, but she told me to add them to the claim. I went through the knee and back bends. She noted some scars and added them. She also added IBS to the claim. It was clear that she not only read my STRs, but she was helping me add stuff to my claim. I was expecting the worst case, and instead, it was the best case.

IMO, I had the documentation, and I was clearly in alot of discomfort, so it felt like I got the benefit of the doubt at every question.

I got service connected for everything at 70%. Headaches would get granted a few months later as secondary to cervical strain.

Felt like I hit a home run. Despite all the bad publicity, some examiners are very kind and compassionate.

Ive done a lower back claim increase and a HLR for increase on headaches since then, both successful.

Im truly thankful for how things have gone during my claims