In this compelling interview, Doc Matthew J. Wilyonson, M.D. (Chief Medical Officer at Woobie, Former LCDR, MC, USN) sits down with Skyler, a Navy veteran whose journey to a 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) rating began in the grueling surf of Coronado.
Watch the Full Interview
Skyler joined the Navy in 2020 with a SEAL contract, but the rigors of BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training) took a heavy toll. After dropping from training, Skyler faced a dual battle: the physical injuries to his back, hips, and knees, and the mental strain of losing his identity and purpose.
Initially, Skyler refused to file a claim, viewing it as “complaining.” He even declined Woobie’s initial outreach. However, after a friend intervened, Skyler decided to fight for what he earned. Starting from scratch with zero claim history, he achieved a 90% rating in just 5 months and crossed the finish line to 100% P&T within a year.
The Mental Hurdle: “Complaining” vs. Claiming
Skyler’s hesitation is common among high-performing veterans. He felt that seeking disability was a sign of weakness.
- The Shift: It took a friend’s recommendation to help him realize that utilizing the benefits system wasn’t “complaining”—it was securing a future after his body and mind were compromised by service.
- The Result: Skyler moved from hesitation to a 100% rating, proving that swallowing your pride and seeking help is the smartest tactical move a veteran can make.
The Strategy: Verbiage & Buddy Letters
How did Skyler go from 0% to 100% in under a year? The secret lay in the Strategic Blueprint.
1. The “Furniture Assembly” Analogy
Navigating a VA claim is like assembling complex furniture with instructions written in a foreign language. You have the pieces (your medical issues), but if you build it wrong, it collapses. Woobie provided the translated blueprint, ensuring Skyler’s claim was built correctly the first time.
2. The Power of Buddy Letters
Skyler emphasizes that medical records aren’t enough. He submitted 10 to 15 Buddy Letters (Lay Statements) from people who witnessed his injuries and mental struggles. These letters bridged the gap between his clinical records and his daily reality.
3. Verbiage is Critical
Woobie helped Skyler frame his symptoms using the specific verbiage the VA requires for a favorable rating.
“Even if you have the issue, if you don’t say the right thing, they will say you don’t have it.”
— Skyler
ROI: “Next to Nothing” for a Lifetime Return
Skyler views his partnership with Woobie as the best investment he ever made—superior to any stock or IRA.
- The Return: For a small flat fee (which he considers “next to nothing” compared to the value), Skyler now receives over $4,000/month tax-free.
- Financial Safety Net: When the gym he worked at closed down, this income was a lifesaver, preventing financial ruin.
- New Opportunities: The rating unlocked VR&E (Veteran Readiness and Employment), which Skyler is now using to return to school for Physical Therapy, and ChampVA for family healthcare.
Timeline to Victory
- May: Submitted initial claims (Starting from scratch).
- October/November: Achieved 90% Rating (approx. 6 months).
- Resubmission: Refined and resubmitted a few items.
- Final Result: Reached 100% P&T within 3 months of resubmission.
- Total Time: Under 1 year.
Skyler’s Advice to You
- Don’t Shortcut the Process: Quality beats speed. Take the time to gather your Buddy Letters and organize your medical evidence. A solid foundation leads to a faster win.
- Start the Conversation: If you are skeptical, just take the initial call. There is “no hurt” in learning about the process.
- Use Your Resources: The Woobie app community is a resource for life.
Ready to Build Your Blueprint?
Don’t try to assemble the puzzle alone. Whether you washed out of training or served 20 years, your injuries are real, and your benefits are waiting.