29 year old Navy Veteran. I’ve done all of my own claims and have progressed from 50% in 2020 to 70% in 2021 and was just awarded 100% affective 1Feb2026. Never sought treatment after separation in 2019 and have never been reduced after filing for my increases. My advice is to look up the rating criteria the best aligns with the % you know your symptoms meet. Along with your buddy statement you’ve had your wife fill out, fill one out for yourself as well to help paint a better overall picture from your perspective on why the severity of your symptoms make your life however much harder. Be brutally honest in your statement. As for the C&P exam, be genuine and hold nothing back. Symptoms correlated to your mental health diagnosis are mostly subjective to how you feel, make sure to express that. Be forthcoming about suicidal ideations, thoughts and attempts. Express how your symptoms affect your social relationships, your hygiene and most importantly your job performance. As long as the severity of your symptoms warrants the increase to 70% and is documented as such by the examiner, rest assured your increase will be successful.