As far as other documents related to the back pain claim, I have nothing. I did not even remember making this "claim", exactly. As I was out processing from the AF, I am sure someone at the hospital asked me about medical problems, and I told them I had back and foot pain. I do not know if there was a claim filed at that time, or not. I never thought about it again, until I got a letter asking about it, which only happened because I wanted to see about getting hearing aids, and that led to all of this. So, I guess there must have been a claim filed, but I did not even realize it.
So, no, I never made any appeal, as I didn't know if (and still don't) if it was denied, or what.
Regarding my condition from 2000 to 2018, as I said (and she recorded)
2. Medical history ------------------ a. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (brief summary): -- relates -- "I had to change really heavy parts in the bottom load of the air craft while I was in the military. They had these monorails but they didn't always work so we had to pick them up a lot of times. I can remember having back pain and having physical therapy in the Air Force and having to go to traction but that's all I can remember about what they did. Since then I have always had back pain, upper and lower back. I have pain all the time, especially if I try to stand up for ten or more minutes. I can try to lean against something and put pressure and that seems to help. At night when I am sleeping it will wake me up with pain and I have to roll out of bed and walk around for a minute. I have just been living with the pain."
Not sure if the above has any merit, or not.
The VA has never asked me for more information about my back, only the C&P. They wanted all sorts of info on the foot pain, however.
I did see a doctor about my back sometime around 2006. I called them to get records, but they told me they'd already destroyed them all.
Thanks! I appreciate your help!