Many veterans apply for VA disability benefits months or years after leaving military service. A veteran might delay their application because some service-connected conditions can take a long time to manifest symptoms, or a veteran may wait and seek treatment after leaving service to see if their condition will improve. However, when a veteran develops a disability due to a service-connected condition while still serving in the military, they may have the option of initiating the claims process before their separation from service through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program.
Understanding the BDD Program
The Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program enables servicemembers who are separating from the military and intend to file for VA disability benefits to initiate the VA benefits application process prior to finalizing their separation. The Department of Veterans Affairs manages the BDD program as part of the disability benefits process. Eligible servicemembers can use the program to file for VA benefits while still on active duty, which can help reduce waiting times for disability benefits following separation from the military.
Eligibility Requirements for a BDD VA Claim
To file a VA disability benefits claim through the BDD program, a servicemember must meet specific program requirements:
- The servicemember must know their separation date
- The servicemember must file their disability benefits claim between 180 and 90 days before their separation date
- The servicemember must provide a copy of their service treatment records for their current period of service
- The servicemember must provide a completed Separation Health Assessment – Part A Self-Assessment
- The servicemember must remain available for up to 45 days after filing their claim to attend VA C&P exams
However, the BDD program excludes certain conditions or injuries, including:
- Any serious illness or injury
- Any terminal illness
- Any amputation or loss of a body part
The program also disqualifies servicemembers from filing claims under certain circumstances, such as:
- Servicemembers who would have to attend a VA C&P exam in a foreign country (except for Landstuhl, Germany, or Camp Humphreys, Korea)
- Servicemembers awaiting discharge while hospitalized in a VA facility or military treatment facility
- Servicemembers whose claims require a character of discharge determination, including when servicemembers have pending disciplinary actions
Benefits of Filing Through the BDD Program
Some of the benefits of filing a VA disability benefits claim through the BDD program include:
- Potentially faster access to disability benefits by beginning the application process before one’s separation date
- Smoother transition to civilian life with the financial assistance of disability payments
- Improved medical records since applicants will need to gather complete documentation as part of the claims process
- Possibility of quicker access to VA healthcare, depending on a servicemember’s disability rating
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Errors that may disqualify a servicemember from the BDD program or lead to the denial of their VA disability benefits claim include:
- Filing without a confirmed separation date
- Filing outside the 180-90 day window
- Failing to submit complete medical documentation, including service treatment records for the current period of service
- Failing to attend scheduled C&P exams
- Not following up to ensure the acceptance of the application through the BDD program
Contact a VA Disability Benefits Attorney Today
In certain circumstances, you do not have to wait until separating from the military to pursue VA disability benefits. The BDD program can give you a head start on the process. Contact Veterans Law Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced VA disability lawyer to learn more about your options for beginning a VA disability benefits program as you approach the end of your military service.
