This sounds complicated, and I may not have all the information (yet) to help answer.
I was discharged in 2006. I filed my first disability claim shortly after, for PTSD, knee/back/ankle injuries, and hearing loss. Everything was denied, as "not service connected".
Not long after, I moved to a new state.
In 2010 I filed a claim again, citing the same conditions. I was rated 30% for PTSD, with the other conditions still listed as not service connected.
I moved again in 2012 to another state. In 2018 my PTSD was out of control, and I landed in the psych ward. I filed for an increase, and was rated for 70%.
My question is- how was the PTSD service connected in 2010 but not 2006? I've been trying for months to get my in-service records and c-file. I'm still waiting for both of those. But I've done some digging and found medical records and paperwork showing I was treated for PTSD while still in service. I did not have this information before, and I hope to have even more evidence when I finally get copies of my other files. Is it possible to re-open the 2006 claim with the new evidence? Would it make a difference? I'm fairly confident that I can prove service connection for most, if not all, the listed conditions once I can access my in service records showing I was treated for the injuries. But is it worth it to fight a 13 year old decision?