Just some backstory, ETS'd in 2011, filed a claim for everything in my records. Ended up with 30% (10 Asthma, 10 Right Shoulder, 10 Hypothyroidism). I also claimed Sleep Problems/Lower back problem. My C&P appointment info for those two issues went to my home of record, so they were missed (Big F up, got it). I have treatment records while AD for my back and tingling in the legs - because I missed the C&P, they rated it a 0% which is understandable. I am working on getting that increased.
Fast Forward to recently, I have always had some PTSD due to an Iraq deployment 06-08 but was hesitant to submit a claim due to pursuing a career in LE. My sleep problems have also been escalating so I finally decided to get both of them checked out now that I am in a stable career and have the time.
I went and got sleep study from a private facility and was diagnosed OSA with a prescribed CPAP. I talked to the sleep doctor about trying to get it SC'd and she said she would write a nexus letter should I need it. I talked to her about my continuous thyroid problems ( increasing Levothyroxine dosages, my continued weight increase and my constant Hypo/Levo side effects). She asked if I was SC for PTSD and I said not at the moment, but I was working on it. She seemed more willing to write a nexus for PTSD than my Hypothyroidism.
Approx 2 months after my SA diagnosis (last week) I received a 50% rating for PTSD. Still waiting on my envelope, but its updated in Eben.
My question is, what would the best route be to establish the SA as a secondary service connection ? I know it has been granted for both PTSD and Hypo individually. Also, does my earlier claim for "sleep problems" have any bearing on a new claim or secondary claim ? I have not currently spoken with a VSO, but would like to know the best route from this community.