u/Sufficient_Wrap_517

After months of stressing, checking claim status 50 times a day, thinking every step movement meant disaster, and convincing myself the VA was trying to keep me from 100%… I finally got my HLR decision today.

Not only did they grant my neck claim and some secondary conditions… they INFERRED a 40% upper extremity radiculopathy rating I didn’t even formally claim. Ended up at 100% P&T.

The craziest part? I spent the last two days convinced that going from Step 7 back to Step 6 meant they were lowering something. Meanwhile they were actually finalizing one of the biggest ratings in my entire file.

Also validating: the decision specifically acknowledged the earlier exam/opinion was insufficient. Trust your gut if an exam feels wrong.

I know a lot of people on here are in the doom spiral phase of the VA process right now. I was too. Just wanted to post something positive tonight because this subreddit helped me through a lot of dark waiting periods.

Honestly still doesn’t feel real.

Is it possible VA adds a claim after C&P? During one for my neck, I indicated that it radiates into my shoulder. He ended up doing a DBQ on my shoulder numbness and tingling.

Any chance I find out the result of my claim over the weekend? I am on step 6 (preparing letter). I’ve been in it since Thursday evening.

I’m so freaking tired of these C&P exams.

Just left one today for my lower back condition and the radiculopathy that goes with it. My back is already service-connected, but the examiner basically only did range-of-motion testing on my lower back and called it a day. Lectured me on why I waited so long to file a claim and why I didn’t seek attention on the matter while I was in service.

No reflex testing.

No sensation testing.

No strength testing in my legs.

Not a single detailed question about the pain that shoots down my right leg into my knee, how often it flares up, how bad it gets, or how it limits what I can do.

I tried to give them my chiropractic records (over 100 of visits showing chronic issues in my cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine), mentioned that my back and radiculopathy are literally on my VA problem list, and that I’m still in regular physical therapy through the VA right now. It didn’t seem like any of that was even noted. Always circled back to no mention while in service.

This isn’t the first time. I already had a Higher-Level Review that specifically called out prior inadequate C&P exams for my conditions. Now it’s happening again.

Right after the exam I sat down and wrote a detailed Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138) documenting exactly what was — and wasn’t — done today. Signed and dated it April 28, 2026.

I have the Combat Action Badge and dealt with the physical demands of service, but like a lot of us I didn’t seek treatment while I was in because of the culture — you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Just needed to vent. Has anyone else had examiners straight-up ignore radiculopathy/nerve symptoms like this? What actually worked for you — HLR, Supplemental Claim, VSO, calling the VA, or something else? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks for letting me rant, brothers and sisters. This process is draining as heck.