Service members who are separating and plan to file for disability compensation can file their claim before separation through the Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. The BDD program allows Service members to apply for VA disability compensation benefits between 180 to 90 days prior to separation. This timeframe permits VA to schedule exams, review service treatment records and evaluate the claim before separation allowing VA to deliver a decision as soon as possible, sometimes as soon as the day after leaving active duty.

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Last Reviewed: February 14, 2022