I didn't apply for SC until 10 years after retiring from the NG.
I was surfing the forums, and everyone was saying you need 3 things. I got hung up on the nexus part thinking now I have to find a Dr. to give me one.
The VA Doctors I talked to didn't want to give me one, so I didn't submit for several months. I kept reading the forums more and more and got discouraged. In the meantime, I got treatment and a lot of x-rays (feet, ankles, knees, back, elbows, shoulders, neck...).
I finally said screw it and sent a claim in for 4 issues minus the nexus. I included copies of SF600s on injuries. I was granted SC on 3 of 4. The denial didn't have paperwork submitted.
I was encouraged by the findings and said to myself screw it again. I'll just throw a bunch shit against the wall and see what sticks. I rifled through my med files and sent all the SF600s I could find minus the nexus and ended up with 14 more SCs (2 are 0%). I got 100% in 2 tries. I was shocked. I got 2 SC that were added that I didn't claim.
I guess the nexus was given by the examiners from the 2 C&Ps?
I definitely see how the nexus can help though.