mark105

Thanks Phillip and Coastie, I'm going to do the NOD. Should I fill it out on my own or get an attorney or out of town VSO to assist me?

Hello, I am a 70% rated OIF veteran and I've always had very good experiences with the VA thus far. But I spoke with my VSO the other day about a back injury claim I put in last April. I received an award letter Saturday. I received a 10% rating for arthritis, and most importantly service connection. I had a Back MRI done July 30th, 2013. This MRI was apparently not available to the investigators on my claim. The MRI showed the Arthritis as well as a herniated disk with nerve impingement and spine narrowing. The VSO said put in a new claim for a higher percentage based on new evidence. I asked if I should'nt appeal this decision for a higher rating based on the MRI as new evidence. I figured if awarded a higher rating I would get the back pay to April 2012. Is the VSO's way best or should I appeal and risk losing the service connection and 10% I did get? PS The arthritis has a long medical name, but it's arthritis, I don't have the letter available as I write this.