This is the VA’s process for all claims, for all veterans. The VA uses a third party so an unbiased medical opinion can be given. The third-party examiner completes an examination to determine service-connection. The theory of service connection will not be found in any medical records because medical records only focus on treatment for a condition. If service-connection is established, the third-party examiner will also need to determine the severity of your condition and which rating criteria it fits into. This information cannot always be found within your medical records because of the specifics of each rating criteria.