Before you leave
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
File 180 to 90 days before you separate. Miss the window and you file a standard claim instead.
What it is
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) lets you file your VA disability claim while you are still on active duty, before you leave. VA says filing this way "may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner."
Who qualifies
All three must be true, per VA:
- You are an active duty service member (VA lists National Guard, Reserve and Coast Guard as included).
- You have a known separation date with 180 to 90 days left on active duty.
- You can go to VA exams within 45 days of the day you submit your claim.
Before separation
What you turn in
A completed Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment goes in with your claim. If you file online, VA retrieves your service treatment records for you. If you file offline, you must provide them yourself.
How to file, step by step
- Find your separation date and count back. Your window opens at 180 days and closes at 90 days before that date.
- Get the Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment ready. VA lists your Transition Assistance Office or ACAP Center as on-base support if you need help.
- Confirm you will be around for VA exams for the 45 days after you file.
- File online, or with an accredited representative if you want help. If you are stationed overseas, VA says to start at the BDD office, or file online or through an accredited representative.
1Find your separation date and count back. Your window opens at 180 days and closes at 90 days before that date.
2Get the Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment ready. VA lists your Transition Assistance Office or ACAP
3Confirm you will be around for VA exams for the 45 days after you file.
4File online, or with an accredited representative if you want help. If you are stationed overseas, VA says to start at the
Deadlines and traps
- Under 90 days left? You cannot use BDD. VA says you can still file a regular claim before you separate and it is processed after you separate. See VA: types of claims and when to file.
- VA lists cases that cannot use BDD: terminal illness, case management needs, a Character of Discharge review pending, exams not available, or a treatment facility hold.
- If you cannot make VA exams within 45 days, the standard claim is your path.
Where to call and where to go
Phone
- VA benefits hotline, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET: 1-800-827-1000 (TTY: 711). Source: va.gov/contact-us (hours) and VA VBA contact page (number)
- Your local Transition Assistance Office or ACAP Center (VA lists this as on-base support).
Official pages
- Pre-discharge (BDD) claim, VA
- File a disability claim online (VA Form 21-526EZ)
- How to file a VA disability claim
Free accredited help
Sources
Next step: Plan Your Transition walks you through getting out in six steps.