VA, File a pre-discharge claim (BDD and the Integrated Disability Evaluation System)

Pre-Discharge Claim | Veterans Affairs Skip to Content An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you're connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and sent securely. Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now Disability benefits When to file Pre-discharge claim File while overseas In this section 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 or with the help of a VA accredited representative. Get help from an accredited representative 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 (TTY: 711). You can also work with an accredited representative or Veteran Service Organization (VSO). Learn more about accredited representatives 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. Find out how to file a standard disability 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. Find out how to access VR&E services through IDES 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. Learn more about TAP Other benefits you can apply for while in pre-discharge status Apply for and manage education benefits (like Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits) that you can use to pay for college and training programs. 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. 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. Last updated: June 18, 2026