[Pursuing initial VA claim after separated 8 years ago, currently using a VSO. Worried - Do I need to provide VA full access to my providers or can I provide them records?]

I just did my claim online through ebenefits in January of 2019 (10 years after my separation), uploaded my pertinent health and mental health records, and was scheduled for my exams within a week of my submission. I was approved less than a month later. I added only my pertinent records for what I was claiming. I highlighted what I felt was most important. I did not add extra information and even omitted extra pages they wouldn't need to make a decision. I truly feel if you make their job easier it will pay off. When I went in for my exams (physical and mental)both providers were extremely kind and considerate towards me. I used the book Asknod, which was also quite helpful. And I was brutally honest with them about everything,  including having been suicidal on more than one occasion. I could not find a good VSO to save my life,  so I gave up and did  the while thing myself. I was awarded 70% for my depression and a total of 10% for my low back and radiculopathy both legs (10% each). I was not touched physically, which I thought a bit odd. Hope this information is helpful. 

Marcelle