Hi all, thanks for all the useful information in this thread so far :D

I ETS'd in Summer 2022 and filed my initial claim APR 2023. I received my completed claim Summer 2023 at 30%. I was going to not fight the claim because I did not have proof for a few conditions claimed as not "service connected". However, a close battle buddy of mine told me to continue fighting the claim and so here I am.

More specifically:

-Service connection for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome with DeQuervain's syndrome

• Service connection for left and right conditio

-Service connection for cervical strain

-Service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder is denied.

I am able to get two buddy statement letters that I believe can support the carpal tunnel and anxiety diagnosis being service connected. I was wondering what else do I need to do? Do I submit this appeal as a "supplemental claim". Thank you.

• since these diagnoses were made at my first C and P exam less than 1 year from ETS , would you guys recommend I pay for a private doctor to write a nexus ? I just got out so have not seen a private doctor for anything so that’s why I’m hesitant

-any recommended source to help my writers ?

They all basically say the same thing , favorable for the disease actually existing but no documented medical event while in service.