Pre-discharge claim
If you have a service-connected condition, you can file a pre-discharge claim for disability benefits between 180 to 90 days before you leave the military. This claim process is called the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. The BDD program may help speed up the VA claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner. Find out how to file your claim through the BDD program. And learn what to do if you have less than 90 days left on active duty.
Am I eligible to use the BDD program?
You may be eligible for the BDD program if you meet all of these requirements:
- You’re a service member on full-time active duty (including a member of the National Guard, Reserve, or Coast Guard)
- You have a known separation date with 180 to 90 days left on active duty
- You’re available to go to VA exams within 45 days of the date you submitted your claim
Note: When you file your claim, also submit a completed Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self Assessment form.
Download a Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment form (PDF)
If you file your BDD claim online, we’ll get your service treatment records for you. If you don’t file online, you’ll need to provide a copy of your service treatment records with your claim.
What if I have less than 90 days left on active duty?
You can’t file a pre-discharge claim through the BDD program. But you can still file a pre-discharge disability claim before you separate from active duty.
Learn how to file a claim less than 90 days before discharge
Are there any other reasons I can’t use the BDD program?
You can’t use the BDD program if your claim requires special handling. This is true even if you have more than 90 days left on active duty.
We consider these special handling for your claim:
- If you need case management for a serious injury or illness
- If you’re terminally ill
- If you’re waiting for your discharge from active duty while being treated at a VA hospital or military treatment facility
- If you’re waiting for us to determine your Character of Discharge
- If you can’t go to a VA exam during the 45-day period after you submit your claim
Note: You can add medical conditions to your claim until day 90 before your expected discharge date. We’ll include these conditions with your original claim. If you add a medical condition to your original claim when you have less than 90 days left on active duty, we may not process those conditions until after your discharge.
How do I file a claim for disability compensation before I leave the service?
If you have 180 to 90 days left on active duty: Apply through the BDD program
If you have 180 to 90 days left on active duty, you’ll need to apply for benefits through the BDD program. The application process depends on where you’re stationed.
If you’re stationed in the U.S.
You can file your pre-discharge claim online, by mail, or in person.
Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation
When you file your claim, you must include a completed Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment form.
Download the Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment form (PDF)
Read instructions for filling out the self-assessment form (PDF)
To complete the application process, you’ll also need to do these things:
- Be available for 45 days from the date you apply for a VA medical exam
- Finish all phases of the VA and Defense Department (DOD) medical separation examination process before your release from the military
If you’re stationed overseas
You can start your claim at a BDD office. Or you can submit your claim online or with the help of a VA accredited representative.
Find out how to file a claim overseas
Need help applying?
If you’re on a military base or other installation, contact your local Transition Assistance Office or ACAP Center (Army only). They can help you make an appointment to attend a VA benefits briefing. At this briefing, you’ll learn how to start your claim. You can also call us toll-free at
You can also work with an accredited representative or Veteran Service Organization (VSO).
If you have less than 90 days left on active duty: File a standard claim
If you have less than 90 days left on active duty, you can file a standard disability claim.
Submit your claim along with all supporting evidence that you have. We’ll help gather the evidence we need to make a decision on your claim.
If you’re wounded, injured, or ill and can’t perform your duties: Your doctor will refer you to IDES
If you’re wounded, injured, or become ill while serving and can’t perform your duties, your doctor will refer you to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). Through this system, we work together with the Defense Department (DOD) to make disability evaluation seamless, simple, fast, and fair.
If you’re found to be medically unfit for duty, IDES will give you a proposed VA disability rating before you leave the service. You’ll also be entitled to Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services.
How can I get support for myself and my family as I transition to civilian life?
Our Transition Assistance Program (TAP) can help both you and your family with this transition. We’ll help you find out which VA benefits and services you’re entitled to, like health care, career guidance, training, and counseling.