ACNoriega

Morning all.. new to the forum. Filed for disability comp and pen February this year. Just had my exam Friday for my lower back. Had several documented back episodes while active duty, USN, stationed on my ship. Now separated. Actually been separated since 2000. Several document episodes while civilian at the VA hospital. Had and MRI administered by VA hospital that showed bulging disc L5 S1. Had injection in disc several years ago. I guess you could say there was the "nexus" of injury sustained while on active duty now causing problems. While I was in the office with the examiner, she pulled up my X-rays I took 1 day prior to the exam, and there were notes as reviewed by another doctor that stated "narrowing of the disc area", "degenerative", and "spinal sub-laxations" and a few other notes. Just last week my status was "Gathering Information" now my status is in "Preparation for Decision". Does all of this sound like I could potentially be awarded comp and pen? I dont know how all of the percentages work, or what validates and actual claim.. new to all of this. Sorry for the "noob" questions. Any insight is greatly appreciated.