Pre-Discharge Claim | Veterans Affairs

<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en"><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="True"> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="320"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">  <link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.googletagmanager.com">    <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/">  <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="W3CDTF" content="2023-12-08">     <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/">  <meta property="og:type" content="website">   <meta name="description" content="If you have a service-connected condition, you can file a claim for disability benefits 180 to 90 days before you leave the military. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner. Find out how to file a claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. And learn what to do if you have less than 90 days left on active duty."> <link rel="image_src" href="https://www.va.gov/img/design/logo/va-og-image.png"> <meta property="og:description" content="If you have a service-connected condition, you can file a claim for disability benefits 180 to 90 days before you leave the military. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner. Find out how to file a claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. 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} </script> </va-breadcrumbs></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <div id="content" class="interior"> <main class="va-l-detail-page" lang="en"> <div class="usa-grid usa-grid-full"> <nav data-template="navigation/sidebar_nav" aria-label="Secondary" id="va-detailpage-sidebar" data-drupal-sidebar="true" class="va-drupal-sidebarnav usa-width-one-fourth va-sidebarnav"> <div> <button class="va-sidenav-btn-close va-sidebarnav-close" type="button" aria-label="Close this menu"> <va-icon icon="close" size="3" class="vads-u-color--gray-dark"></va-icon> </button> <div class="vads-u-display--flex vads-u-align-items--center left-side-nav-title"> <va-icon icon="description" size="3" class="hub-icon vads-u-color--white vads-u-background-color--hub-disability vads-u-display--flex vads-u-align-items--center vads-u-justify-content--center vads-u-margin-right--1"></va-icon> <h4>Disability benefits</h4> </div> <div class="sidenav-previous-page"> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file">When to file</a> </div> <ul class="usa-sidenav-list"> <li class="active-level"> <a class="usa-current" href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim" id="9a65fa2bb6b9eeba47ce4938d05f7702">Pre-discharge claim</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav-sub_list"> <li> <a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/file-while-overseas" id="9c4903524c1ad5e66a73e901e91970cc">File while overseas</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> <div class="usa-width-three-fourths"> <div class="va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger" id="sidebar-nav-trigger">  <div class="button-background"></div> <div class="button-wrapper"> <button aria-controls="va-detailpage-sidebar"> <strong>In this section</strong> <va-icon icon="menu" size="3" class="vads-u-color--link-default"></va-icon> </button> </div> </div> <div class="trigger-placeholder"></div> <script nonce="riOpBQVi2GAatMP2dRfcMS7s2TWS9cuw" type="text/javascript"> var mobileMediaQuery = window.matchMedia('(max-width: 767px)') var navTrigger = document.getElementsByClassName('va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger')[0] var buttonWrapper = document.querySelector( '.va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger .button-wrapper' ) var buttonBackground = document.querySelector( '.va-btn-sidebarnav-trigger .button-background' ) var navTriggerPlaceholder = document.querySelector('.trigger-placeholder') var navTriggerPosition // Helper to get the height of the nav button, with or without the bottom // padding. 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This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner. Find out how to file a claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. And learn what to do if you have less than 90 days left on active duty.</p> </div> <div class="feature"> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a" data-entity-id="6473" data-analytics-faq-section data-analytics-faq-text="Am I eligible to use the BDD program?"> <div id="6473"> <div class="vads-u-display--flex"> <h2 id="am-i-eligible-to-use-the-bdd-p"> Am I eligible to use the BDD program? </h2> </div> <div data-entity-id="6473"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="6474"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>You may be eligible for the BDD program if you meet all of these requirements.</p><p><strong>All of these must be true:</strong></p><ul><li>You’re a service member on full-time active duty (including a member of the National Guard, Reserve, or Coast Guard)</li><li>You have a known separation date</li><li>Your separation date is in the next 180 to 90 days</li><li>You’re available to go to VA exams for 45 days from the date you submitted your claim</li></ul><p><strong>Note:</strong> When you file your claim, you’ll need to provide a copy of your service treatment records for your current period of service. You’ll also need to provide a Separation Health Assessment form.</p><p><a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/docs/SHA_DBQ_Part_A_Self-Assessment.pdf">Download a Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment form (PDF)</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="application/ld+json" nonce="riOpBQVi2GAatMP2dRfcMS7s2TWS9cuw"> { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I have less than 90 days left on active duty?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there any other reasons I can鈥檛 use the BDD program?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I file a claim for disability compensation before I leave the service?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I get support for myself and my family as I transition to civilian life?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "" } } ] } </script> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a_section" data-entity-id="6484"> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a" data-entity-id="131332" data-analytics-faq-section data-analytics-faq-text="What if I have less than 90 days left on active duty?"> <div id="131332"> <div class="vads-u-display--flex"> <h2 id="what-if-i-have-less-than-90-da"> What if I have less than 90 days left on active duty? </h2> </div> <div data-entity-id="131332"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="131331"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>You can’t file a pre-discharge claim or add more medical conditions to your initial pre-discharge claim. But you can still begin the process of filing your claim before discharge.</p><p><a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim#how-do-i-file-a-claim-for-disa" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-uuid="24f97301-12d2-45fd-bbe5-35f2eb957f72" title="Pre-discharge claim">Learn how to file a claim less than 90 days before discharge</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a" data-entity-id="138280" data-analytics-faq-section data-analytics-faq-text="Are there any other reasons I can’t use the BDD program?"> <div id="138280"> <div class="vads-u-display--flex"> <h2 id="are-there-any-other-reasons-i-"> Are there any other reasons I can’t use the BDD program? </h2> </div> <div data-entity-id="138280"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="138279"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>You can’t use the BDD program if your claim requires special handling. This is true even if you’re on full-time active duty, with more than 90 days left of service.</p><p><strong>You can’t use the BDD program if any of these are true:</strong></p><ul><li>You need case management for a serious injury or illness</li><li>You’re terminally ill</li><li>You’re waiting to be discharged while being treated at a VA hospital or military treatment facility</li><li>You’re waiting for us to determine your Character of Discharge</li><li>You can’t go to a VA exam during the 45-day period after you submit your claim</li><li>You didn’t submit copies of your service treatment records for your current period of service</li><li>You added a medical condition to your original claim when you had less than 90 days left on active duty (<strong>Note:</strong> We’ll process the added conditions after your discharge.)</li><li>You need to have a VA exam done in a foreign country and we can’t request the exam through the overseas BDD offices in Landstuhl, Germany, or Camp Humphreys, Korea<br><a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/file-while-overseas" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="171529d4-fc05-4a92-a8a9-25037fc42bf1" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="File a pre-discharge claim while overseas">Learn more about filing a pre-discharge claim while overseas</a></li></ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a" data-entity-id="6483" data-analytics-faq-section data-analytics-faq-text="How do I file a claim for disability compensation before I leave the service?"> <div id="6483"> <div class="vads-u-display--flex"> <h2 id="how-do-i-file-a-claim-for-disa"> How do I file a claim for disability compensation before I leave the service? </h2> </div> <div data-entity-id="6483"> <div data-template="paragraphs/collapsible_panel" data-entity-id="6486" data-multiselectable="false"> <va-accordion uswds> <va-accordion-item class="va-accordion-item" id="if-you-have-180-to-90-days-left-on-active-duty-apply-through-6487"> <h3 slot="headline"> If you have 180 to 90 days left on active duty: Apply through the BDD program </h3> <div id="6487" data-template="paragraphs/collapsible_panel__panel" data-entity-id="6487" data-analytics-faq-text="If you have 180 to 90 days left on active duty: Apply through the BDD program"> <div id="collapsible_panel_item-6487"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="6487"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>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.</p><h4 id="if-youre-stationed-in-the-us">If you’re stationed in the U.S.</h4><p>You can file a claim online, by mail, or in person.</p><p><a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="414c54b9-cd5c-4d86-8203-fc2489e4be8a" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="How to file a VA disability claim">Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation</a></p><p><strong>You’ll need to submit these documents with your claim application:</strong></p><ul><li>Your service treatment records, <strong>and</strong></li><li>A completed Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment form<br><a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/docs/SHA_DBQ_Part_A_Self-Assessment.pdf">Download the Separation Health Assessment - Part A Self-Assessment form (PDF)</a><br><br><a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/docs/SHA_DBQ_Part_A_Guidance.pdf">Read instructions for filling out the form (PDF)</a></li></ul><p>If you already filed your pre-discharge claim but didn’t submit this form yet, you can upload the form online now.</p><p><a href="/resources/separation-health-assessment-for-service-members" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="827fede3-4909-4be1-a9d7-6e94c8497fde" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Separation Health Assessment for service members">Find out how to upload your completed self-assessment form</a></p><p><strong>To complete the application process, you’ll also need to do these things:</strong></p><ul><li>Be available for 45 days from the date you apply for a VA medical exam, <strong>and</strong></li><li>Finish all phases of the VA and Defense Department (DOD) medical separation examination process before your release from the military</li></ul><h4 id="if-youre-stationed-overseas">If you’re stationed overseas</h4><p>You can start your claim at a BDD office.</p><p><a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim/file-while-overseas" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="171529d4-fc05-4a92-a8a9-25037fc42bf1" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="File a pre-discharge claim while overseas">Find out how to file a claim overseas</a></p><h4>Need help applying?</h4><p>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 <a href="tel:+18008271000" aria-label="8 0 0. 8 2 7. 1 0 0 0.">800-827-1000</a> (<a href="tel:711" aria-label="TTY. 7 1 1.">TTY: 711</a>).</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </va-accordion-item> <va-accordion-item class="va-accordion-item" id="if-you-have-less-than-90-days-left-on-active-duty-file-a-ful-6488"> <h3 slot="headline"> If you have less than 90 days left on active duty: File a fully developed or standard claim </h3> <div id="6488" data-template="paragraphs/collapsible_panel__panel" data-entity-id="6488" data-analytics-faq-text="If you have less than 90 days left on active duty: File a fully developed or standard claim"> <div id="collapsible_panel_item-6488"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="6488"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>If you have less than 90 days left on active duty, you can file one of these types of claims:</p><ul><li><strong>A fully developed disability claim.</strong> You’ll need to send in all the evidence you have—or can easily get—when you file your claim. You may be able to get a faster decision on your disability claim.<br><a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/fully-developed-claims" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8b6b64dd-37f7-440a-ac5f-04fd621a8abe" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Fully Developed Claims program">Find out how to file a fully developed disability claim</a></li><li><strong>A standard disability claim. </strong>We’ll take more responsibility for gathering the evidence we need to make a decision on your claim.<br><a href="/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/standard-claims" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c81a4609-34a3-4985-bed0-e1a47fc4f0ab" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Standard disability claims">Find out how to file a standard disability claim</a></li></ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </va-accordion-item> <va-accordion-item class="va-accordion-item" id="if-youre-wounded-injured-or-ill-and-cant-perform-your-duties-6489"> <h3 slot="headline"> If you’re wounded, injured, or ill and can’t perform your duties: Your doctor will refer you to IDES </h3> <div id="6489" data-template="paragraphs/collapsible_panel__panel" data-entity-id="6489" data-analytics-faq-text="If you’re wounded, injured, or ill and can’t perform your duties: Your doctor will refer you to IDES"> <div id="collapsible_panel_item-6489"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="6489"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><a href="/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/ides" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a77046fa-40db-48d1-9842-e6c0e29a9eb9" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Accessing Veteran Readiness and Employment through IDES">Find out how to access VR&E services through IDES</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </va-accordion-item> </va-accordion> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-template="paragraphs/q_a" data-entity-id="6490" data-analytics-faq-section data-analytics-faq-text="How can I get support for myself and my family as I transition to civilian life?"> <div id="6490"> <div class="vads-u-display--flex"> <h2 id="how-can-i-get-support-for-myse"> How can I get support for myself and my family as I transition to civilian life? </h2> </div> <div data-entity-id="6490"> <div data-template="paragraphs/wysiwyg" data-entity-id="6491"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>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.</p><p><a href="https://benefits.va.gov/transition/tap.asp">Learn more about TAP</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="usa-content"> <aside class="va-nav-linkslist va-nav-linkslist--related"> <section data-template="paragraphs/list_of_link_teasers" data-entity-id="6469" class="field_related_links"> <h2 id="other-benefits-you-can-apply-f" class="va-nav-linkslist-heading" tabindex="-1"> Other benefits you can apply for while in pre-discharge status </h2> <ul class="va-nav-linkslist-list"> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="6470" data-links-list-header="Education benefits" data-links-list-section-header="Other benefits you can apply for while in pre-discharge status"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id> <va-link href="/education" text="Education benefits"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">Apply for and manage education benefits (like Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits) that you can use to pay for college and training programs.</p> </li> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="6471" data-links-list-header="Housing assistance" data-links-list-section-header="Other benefits you can apply for while in pre-discharge status"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id="-1"> <va-link href="/housing-assistance" text="Housing assistance"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">Find out if you qualify for a VA home loan or a housing grant to help you live more independently with your service-connected disability.</p> </li> <li data-template="paragraphs/linkTeaser" data-entity-id="6472" data-links-list-header="Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)" data-links-list-section-header="Other benefits you can apply for while in pre-discharge status"> <h3 class="va-nav-linkslist-title vads-u-font-size--h4" id="-2"> <va-link href="/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation" text="Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)"> </va-link></h3> <p class="va-nav-linkslist-description">If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, find out if you can get VR&E benefits and services—like help exploring employment options and getting more training if required.</p> </li> </ul> </section> </aside> </div> </div> <va-back-to-top></va-back-to-top>  <div class="last-updated usa-content vads-u-padding-x--1 desktop-lg:vads-u-padding-x--0"> <div class="mobile-lg:vads-u-display--flex above-footer-elements-container"> <div class="vads-u-flex--auto"> <span class="vads-u-text-align--justify"> <p>Last updated: <time datetime="2023-12-08">December 8, 2023</time></p> </span> </div> <div class="vads-u-flex--1 vads-u-text-align--right"> <span class="vads-u-text-align--right"> <button type="button" class="feedback-button usa-button" id="mdFormButton" aria-label="give feedback"> Feedback </button> </span> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div></main> </div> </div>  <script nonce="riOpBQVi2GAatMP2dRfcMS7s2TWS9cuw" type="text/javascript" defer src="https://www.datadoghq-browser-agent.com/datadog-rum-v5.js"></script> <script nonce="riOpBQVi2GAatMP2dRfcMS7s2TWS9cuw" type="text/javascript"> window.addEventListener('load', () => { // All of the page urls we want to monitor include www.va.gov (production only) if (window.DD_RUM && window.location?.hostname === 'www.va.gov') { /** * Unauthenticated Static pages may be crawled by bots, so we won't initialize * RUM sessions. 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Pre-Discharge Claim | Veterans Affairs