How to file a Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claim — the VA disability claim you file 180 to 90 days before separation
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) lets a service member on full-time active duty — including National Guard, Reserve and Coast Guard members — file a VA disability compensation claim between 180 and 90 days before a known separation date, so VA can schedule claim exams while you are still in uniform and decide the claim close to your discharge. You must be available for VA exams within 45 days of filing and submit the Separation Health Assessment – Part A Self-Assessment with the claim; filing online lets VA pull your service treatment records itself. With fewer than 90 days left you file a standard claim instead, and claims that need special handling (serious illness or injury, terminal illness, a pending character-of-discharge decision) are not BDD claims. Compensation begins the month after separation.
What you'll need
- VA Form 21-526EZ, filed online at VA.gov (recommended) or through an accredited representative
- Separation Health Assessment – Part A Self-Assessment form (required with the claim)
- Your known separation date and orders
- Service treatment records, if you do not file online (VA obtains them when you file online)
- A list of every condition, injury or symptom treated or noted during service
Step-by-step
Step 1: Check the window and the eligibility rules
You can use BDD if you are on full-time active duty, have a known separation date with 180 to 90 days remaining, and can go to VA exams within 45 days of the date you submit the claim. You cannot use BDD if your claim needs special handling: case management for a serious injury or illness, terminal illness, waiting for discharge while being treated at a VA or military hospital, waiting on a character-of-discharge determination, or being unable to attend exams in the 45-day period. You can add conditions to the claim until day 90 before discharge; conditions added later may not be processed until after separation.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/
Step 2: Complete the Separation Health Assessment – Part A
Download and complete the Separation Health Assessment – Part A Self-Assessment and submit it with your claim; VA requires it for BDD. It is your account of every condition and symptom, so go through your service treatment records and list each one — including hearing, sleep, joints, skin, mental health and any exposure-related conditions. You must also finish all phases of the VA and Defense Department separation examination process before release.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/
Step 3: File the claim
Stationed in the U.S.: file online at VA.gov or with a VA-accredited representative; filing online means VA gets your service treatment records for you, otherwise include a copy. Stationed overseas: start at a BDD office, or file online or through a representative. Your installation's Transition Assistance Office (or ACAP Center in the Army) can set up a VA benefits briefing that walks you through starting the claim; accredited VSO representatives also file BDD claims.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/
Step 4: Attend the exams while still on active duty
Be available for VA claim exams for 45 days after you file. Exams are scheduled near your duty station or at a military treatment facility; describe each condition as it affects you now and on bad days, and bring your medication list and any specialist records. Completing the exams before separation is what lets VA decide the claim at or soon after discharge.
Step 5: Fewer than 90 days, IDES, and after the decision
With fewer than 90 days left you can still file a pre-discharge claim as a standard disability claim with your evidence; VA helps gather the rest. If you are wounded, injured or ill and cannot perform your duties, your doctor refers you to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), which gives a proposed VA rating before you leave and entitles you to Veteran Readiness and Employment services. After separation, compensation begins the month after the effective date; if you disagree with any part of the decision you have one year to request a decision review, and a new or worsened condition is a new claim.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/
Critical tips
- File as close to 180 days out as you can — it gives VA the most time to schedule exams before you leave.
- The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) covers VA health care, education, home loan and VR&E benefits you can also apply for in pre-discharge status.
- Keep copies of your service treatment records and the self-assessment; they are the evidence for any later increase or secondary claim.
- Questions: VA benefits line 800-827-1000 (TTY 711), Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET.
- In crisis: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.