In this “Woobie Wins” session, host Doc Matthew J. Wilyonson, M.D. (Chief Medical Officer at Woobie, Former LCDR, MC, USN) sits down with Ryan Rogers, a veteran who achieved a 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) rating nearly a decade after leaving the service.
Watch the Full Interview
This episode blends the “X’s and O’s” of strategic claim filing with the raw reality of the process. Ryan’s story proves that no matter how much time has passed since you served, the path to the rating you deserve is still open if you are willing to fight for it.
The Origin of Woobie: Fixing a “Broken” Process
Doc Matthew J. Wilyonson, M.D. opens the conversation by revealing the reality that motivated him to found the company.
- The TAPS Problem: Marines and Sailors often receive only 10 minutes of information regarding VA disability claims during their transition classes.
- Medical Insight: As an orthopedic surgeon trained in operational medicine, Doc witnessed rampant errors in his own claims and those of his patients, realizing the process was “poorly done” and needed an ethical solution.
The Woobie Philosophy:
Woobie acts as the “Chef”. They don’t manufacture the ingredients (your medical evidence); instead, they take the pure, independent evidence provided by the client and prepare it perfectly for presentation to the VA.
Ryan’s Journey: From 30% to 100% P&T
Ryan’s road to 100% was not an overnight success—it was an 18-month battle that began with a 30% rating.
1. The “High-Yield” Strategy
Ryan utilized Woobie’s data analytics to focus on “High-Yield Claims”—common conditions that the VA tends to rate reasonably high. Using the “Top 50” list, he identified significant musculoskeletal issues including his back, knees, ankles, and feet.
2. The Fight for Mental Health (30% vs. 70%)
Ryan’s most significant hurdle was his mental health claim.
- The Battle: It took four separate submissions to force the VA to acknowledge the correct severity, moving him from an initial 30% rating to the 70% he met the criteria for.
3. The Inconsistency of the System
Ryan highlights a frustrating reality: he received a 10% rating for flat feet, while his brother (with the exact same condition) received 40%. Doc notes that this level of variability affects roughly 80% of claims.
Ethical Claims: No “Shark” Fees
A major theme of the discussion is financial ethics.
- No Back Pay Extortion: Unlike predatory companies that charge up to $20,000 or a year’s worth of rating increases, Woobie does not touch a veteran’s back pay.
- No “One-Stop Shop”: To maintain ethics, Woobie maintains strict segregation from the diagnostic process.
“I was not once ever surprised by hidden fees… Woobie was always available.”
— Ryan Rogers
Key Advice for Veterans
“It Works If You Work It”
Ryan emphasizes that this is a partnership. Woobie provides the map and the strategy, but the veteran must do their due diligence—gathering records and seeing doctors.
Doc’s Charge:
If you achieve success, pay it forward. Invest in yourself and help other veterans who were once in the same position you were.
Ready to Start Your Strategy?
Whether you have been out for 6 months or 10 years, the time to file is now. Join a community that values transparency, strategy, and results.