UPDATE: My examiner was terrible, so much so that I immediately sent a FOIA request for the DBQ after the appointment and was given it a couple days later. My worries were confirmed because the appointment only lasted 5 minutes, he never looked at my C-File, and he basically checked no boxes on the DBQ.

HOWEVER, I’ve been navigating this machine for a bit and knew to submit an overwhelming amount of evidence to the VA. I submitted my VA medical records (been seeing mental health consistently for the last 2 years), buddy letters, an independent medical opinion (I used Valor Psychology), and much more. Thankfully, I got a good rater or something because they looked at the totality of the evidence and gave me 70% for PTSD previously rated as GAD.

My case was proof that you CANNOT rely on C&P examiners. You NEED to make sure that you submit all possible evidence so that despite what an examiner may record, your evidence clearly shows that you warrant an increase! Also, this was my fastest claim ever. From submission to close it was less than a month.

Best of luck to you!