In this episode of “Woobie Wins: Share Your Story with Doc,” host Doc Matthew J. Wilyonson, M.D. (Chief Medical Officer at Woobie, Former LCDR, MC, USN) sits down with Bobby Pendergrass Jr., a U.S. Army veteran who waited over three decades to file his first VA claim.
Watch the Full Interview
Watch as Bobby reveals how he overcame the “suck it up” mentality and utilized a strategic, evidence-based approach to go from knowing nothing about benefits to achieving a 100% VA rating in under a year.
The Long Wait: Overcoming the “Suck It Up” Mentality
Bobby served 8.5 years total (6.5 years active duty, 2 years reserves) in the U.S. Army, transitioning out approximately 34 years ago. Like many veterans of his generation, Bobby avoided doctors and operated under the “Not Dead, Can’t Quit” (NDCQ) mindset.
For decades, he knew nothing about the benefits available to him. It wasn’t until April 2024 that he filed his “Intent to File,” finally submitting his full claim in July.
Phase 1: The Initial Filing (0% to 60%)
Bobby’s journey started with a broad approach, filing claims for nearly 17 different conditions. While many were denied or deferred, he secured an initial 60% rating:
- Migraines (50%): Achieved with Doc’s guidance on creating migraine logs and visiting his Primary Care Physician (PCP).
- Tinnitus (10%): Acknowledged service connection.
- Ankle Injury (10%): A condition he didn’t realize he could claim, originally rated at 0% but increased.
- Deferred Claims: PTSD and Sleep Apnea were put on hold pending further evidence.
Phase 2: The Push to 100% (The Supplemental Claim)
The turning point came when the Woobie team prepared a robust Supplemental Claim Packet. Understanding that he had a short 15-20 day window to submit extra information, the team mobilized quickly.
The Strategy Included:
- Comprehensive Medical Evidence: Detailed DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaires) and Nexus Letters.
- Spousal Support: Bobby’s wife wrote critical buddy letters validating the severity of his Sleep Apnea and PTSD.
- Independent Evaluation: A psychological evaluation from Valor proved “huge” for his PTSD claim.
The Result: On November 3rd, just months after his initial filing, Bobby was officially rated 100%.
“At the end, it’s well worth it… if your symptoms warrant more, stay the course.”
— Bobby Pendergrass Jr.
The Woobie Approach: Building a Skyscraper
Doc Matthew J. Wilyonson, M.D. explains that winning a VA claim isn’t about finding an “easy button”—it’s about building a case that can withstand scrutiny.
The Skyscraper Analogy:
Imagine building a massive skyscraper. You cannot rely on a single architect. Woobie gathers multiple independent inspectors (primary care doctors, Valor group), detailed blueprints (DBQs), and a final report to create a foundation so strong that even the inconsistent VA system cannot deny the reality of the veteran’s condition.
Bob’s Advice to Fellow Veterans
Bobby admits that while the process took over a year of effort, it was worth it.
- Don’t Quit Early: It is easy to settle for 50% or 60%, but you must push for what you deserve.
- Document Everything: “You can’t just make stuff up.” You must have the will to gather the proper medical records and personal statements.
- Trust the Process: If you follow the evidence-based process, it works.
Ready to Build Your Case?
If you are stuck in the VA appeals process or don’t know where to start, you need a team that fights with logic, medical knowledge, and ethical evidence.