When Neil Anderson left the Navy in 2016, he didn’t initially think about pursuing VA benefits. His military career had been cut short by mental health struggles, and he wasn’t sure he deserved any benefits. But after years of encouragement from fellow veterans and a push to reconsider his stance, Neil began the journey to a 100% VA disability rating. His story shows that with the right strategy, persistence, and support, veterans can achieve the benefits they deserve.
Neil’s Early Struggles: Filing on His Own
Like many veterans, Neil started by filing his claim on his own in 2023 for PTSD and depression. His claim was approved at 70%, which was a surprising and encouraging start. However, after some initial success, Neil soon realized he wasn’t prepared for the long-term strategy needed for a full claim.
“I thought I could do it on my own. I filed for everything at once, but I didn’t have a clear plan,” Neil explains. “It was kind of like throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks but nothing stuck.”
In his first attempt, Neil didn’t fully understand the complexity of the VA claims process. He had no knowledge of the critical details that could help him increase his rating, such as secondary claims or the importance of a nexus letter. Despite the 70% rating, which was a solid start, Neil felt like he could be missing something and that he wasn’t getting everything he deserved.
Developing a Strategy: How Neil Went from 70% to 100%?
Determined to increase his disability rating, Neil turned to a Veteran Coach who could help him devise a clear, step-by-step strategy. The process wasn’t quick, but with persistence and careful planning, Neil’s rating steadily increased.
March 2025: His claim for headaches was approved, bumping his rating from 70% to 90%.
July 2025: His claim for sleep apnea, which had been previously denied, was granted with the help of strong medical evidence, bringing him to 100% permanent and total disability.
“I put my trust in the strategy my coach laid out for me,” Neil says. “Every step of the way, the advice was right on. I stuck to the plan, and it worked.”
This time around, Neil had a clear strategy and better guidance. His veteran coach didn’t just help him with filing the claims; they provided crucial insight into the process, understanding what would make his claims stronger. Through this detailed approach, Neil learned how to document his conditions thoroughly and collect the necessary medical records to support his case. Most importantly, Neil learned to treat his claims not as separate issues but as part of a bigger strategy, combining all his conditions into a cohesive narrative that would help him achieve a higher disability rating.
The Importance of Support: The Role of a VA Coach
Neil credits much of his success to the Veteran Coach he worked with. The coach provided not only expertise but also the encouragement and knowledge that guided Neil through the complex VA system. According to Neil, this support made all the difference.
“I never thought I’d get a 100% VA rating, but with the help of my coach, I did,” Neil says. “The program and the coaching gave me the confidence to continue fighting for what I deserved.”
The veteran coach helped Neil develop a personalized strategy based on his unique circumstances. This meant looking beyond the obvious conditions and seeking additional claims that could have been overlooked. Neil learned about the importance of secondary service connection claims and how to link conditions like his sleep apnea and headaches to his original service-connected disabilities. This strategic approach was the key to unlocking a higher rating.
The emotional and psychological support from his coach was just as important as the technical support. The process of working through VA claims can be overwhelming, especially for someone who may have doubts about their eligibility or the process itself. Neil admits that without his coach, he likely wouldn’t have followed through with the necessary steps to increase his disability rating.
Encouragement for Other Veterans
Looking back, Neil offers words of wisdom for other veterans who may be considering applying for VA benefits or who are struggling with their own claims.
“Don’t give up,” he advises. “And don’t be afraid to ask for support from people who know the system. If I can do it, so can you.”
For Neil, the victory isn’t just about the 100% VA disability rating it’s about the peace of mind it provides for his family, the financial relief, and the opportunity to access better healthcare benefits.
“I can now help my wife get VA healthcare, and we can finally pay off $40,000 in student loan debt. That’s a huge weight off our shoulders,” Neil shares.
The 100% VA disability rating has fundamentally changed Neil’s life. It provided him with the financial means to lift a heavy burden from his family, allowing him to focus on his health and well-being without the stress of overwhelming debt. This also means he and his wife can access VA healthcare benefits, significantly reducing their medical expenses. The 100% disability rating has offered Neil the security he needed to move forward in his life with greater confidence.
The Impact of a 100% VA Disability Rating
Reaching a 100% VA disability rating brings significant benefits for veterans, including:
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Higher monthly compensation | Provides financial security, covers daily living expenses, and increases overall quality of life. |
| Free healthcare | Access to VA healthcare for both the veteran and their family members. |
| Financial relief | Enables veterans to pay off debts (e.g., student loans, mortgages) and meet financial obligations. |
| Access to VA programs | Veterans with 100% disability can access additional services and benefits from the VA. |
For Neil, it wasn’t just the financial impact but the peace of mind knowing his family is protected and supported through his service.
“My experience with VA Claims Insider was incredible,” Neil says. “Now I can help my wife get VA healthcare and get rid of $40,000 in student loan debt.”
The financial relief from the VA rating has enabled Neil and his wife to plan their future more confidently. They no longer have to worry about the looming burden of student debt, and they can focus on their personal health and well-being, knowing they have access to healthcare and other crucial benefits.
Neil’s Final Thought: A Journey Well Worth the Effort
Reflecting on the entire process, Neil doesn’t just see the 100% rating as a personal success; he views it as a stepping stone that many veterans can benefit from.
“I don’t think there’s a veteran out there who couldn’t benefit from this program,” Neil says. “It was an amazing experience. At the end of the day, I’d do it all over again.”
His story serves as a testament to the power of persistence, strategy, and support from experienced professionals. Veterans like Neil deserve the benefits they earned, and with the right help, they can achieve the ratings and support they need to live a secure and fulfilling life.
Neil’s journey to 100% VA disability is not just about a higher rating. It’s about the confidence that comes from having the right support, a well-thought-out strategy, and a belief that persistence will ultimately pay off. His success story serves as an inspiration for other veterans, showing that with the right tools, anyone can successfully navigate the VA claims process and achieve the disability rating they deserve.
FAQs
How did Neil Anderson go from 70% to 100% VA disability?
Neil’s rating increased through a combination of strategic claims for additional conditions, including headaches and sleep apnea, with strong supporting medical evidence.
What role did the Veteran Coach play in Neil’s success?
The Veteran Coach helped Neil develop a clear, step-by-step strategy for his claims, guiding him through the process with expert advice and support.
What are the benefits of a 100% VA disability rating?
Veterans with a 100% disability rating are eligible for higher compensation, healthcare for themselves and their families, and access to other VA programs.
What advice does Neil give to other veterans?
Neil encourages veterans to not give up, to seek help when needed, and to trust in the process, even when it seems difficult.
How has Neil’s 100% VA rating impacted his life?
The 100% rating has provided Neil with financial relief, healthcare benefits for his family, and the opportunity to pay off significant debts, such as student loans.
