I was notified by my advacate (American Legion) that my Claim was approved 100% PT Chap35 benes no futher exams. I discovered this forum when i submitted my claim back in Oct 08 also I was told a retro check is cut back to the application date. I read the complete forum back and forth andthe stories and advice submitted helped 100%. I am taking this time to tell how it materalized just in case it would help a single veteran with a pending claim or one inthe future. I am in receipt of CRDP and rated 70 % all for orthopedics defects the highest 30% for back and knee condition, Important point, Sub paragraph 4.16 if disabilities effect one common etiology or a single body system e.g orthopedics: compensation may be assigned where the schedular rating is less than total when the disabled person is in the judgement of the rating agency,unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of service connected disabilities. I contacted a lawyer in October and he said i wouldbe disapproved because VA does not normally approve on this issue he was wrong. I had applied for IU and SSDi had same time and have a lawyer for SSDI and that has been appealed to the hearing stage. The lawyer had forms i took to both treating Physicans, Functional appitude forms stating how long i can sit , lift walk reach etc also both treating Docs gave there opinions(imo) both stated no working one being family doctors the other Neurosurgeons that did my operation. Family doc wrote Permanent and total. With Emg testing and a current MRI showing my back getting worse also CP exam docs opinion which can be read on CP tab along with years of seeing Doctors and Specalist. My two cents on how my claim was approve I believe is simple 1. IMO 2. Documentation, I hope this narrarative helps a single Veteran with there claims because no matter what with all the other B## S*** happening in this country every one of us has stood the test of time in serving the USA. B)