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Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)

If you are between 180-90 days before separation you can file a BDD claim.

Ideally, this will allow you to get a claim decision the day after you separate - but this is not always the case.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • You MUST submit your Service Treatment Records (STRs) NO LATER THAN 90 DAYS BEFORE you separate from Active Duty. Failure to do so WILL result in your claim being removed from the BDD program!

    • You can obtain your STRs HERE.

    • If some records are missing/incomplete that is fine - just submit what you can for now!

  • ALWAYS keep the VA updated of your location! That way they can properly notify you any Examinations!

  • BDD claims CANNOT have ratings finalized till the day AFTER you officially separate from active duty!

  • If you had a previous period of service and had claimed condition(s) denied, you MUST file an appropriate Appeal to re-claim those denied issues!

  • If you decide to file for additional conditions when you are under 90 days to separation, your claim WILL be converted to a Fully Developed Claim or a Standard claim, depending whether private medical evidence is required to be obtained by the VA.

    • RATER NOTES:

      • Seriously, if you have NOT been seen in-service for your claimed condition(s) it is CRITICAL that you file BEFORE you separate! It WILL GREATLY help you in getting Service-connection! So even if it might delay you getting a decision it WILL GREATLY help you in the end!

      • Seriously, the bar to get service-connection gets NO LOWER than when you file a claim while STILL ON ACTIVE DUTY! In short, in MOST cases so long as you can get a current diagnosis you will get service-connection!

NOTES:

  • BDD claims are given priority in terms of claims processing.

  • All conditions will be considered under Primary service connection even if they are factually due to another condition.

Filing a BDD Claim

To file a BDD claim online by yourself, you can go to VA.gov.

Alternatively, you can have a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) assist you in filing a claim.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

  • If you are having a VSO file your BDD claim, you MUST be the one who signs the claim paperwork (if this is your first ever claim)!

VA Overseas Military Coordinators (OMSCs)

For those currently stationed overseas, email these inboxes to help you schedule your Compensation and Pension examinations!

Location
 Email Address
Africa Contact any OMSC located in Germany, Italy, or the United Kingdom.
Asia-Pacific OMSCJAPANOK.VBAVACO@VA.GOV
Central Asia Contact any OMSC located in Germany, Italy, or the United Kingdom.
Europe Contact any OMSC located in Germany, Italy, or the United Kingdom.
Germany, Kaiserslautern OMSCGER1.VBAVACO@va.gov
Germany, Vilseck-Bavaria OMSCGER2.VBAVACO@va.gov
Italy OMSCIT.VBAVACO@va.gov
Japan, Iwakuni OMSCJAPANIW.VBAVACO@VA.GOV
Japan, Okinawa OMSCJAPANOK.VBAVACO@VA.GOV
Japan, Yokosuka OMSCJAPANYO.VBAVACO@VA.GOV
Korea OMSCJAPANOK.VBAVACO@VA.GOV
Korea (alternative) KoreaBDD.vbapit@va.gov
Middle East Contact any OMSC located in Germany, Italy, or the United Kingdom.
South Asia Contact any OMSC located in Germany, Italy, or the United Kingdom.
United Kingdom OMSCUK.VBAVACO@va.gov
West Asia Contact any OMSC located in Germany, Italy, or the United Kingdom.

Viewing Exam Reports

Active Duty service members who have filed a BDD claim ARE be able to access their Compensation & Pension Examiner Reports' via the Tricare Patient Portal under medical records > documents.

You can use these as a sneak-peak to try and predict what rating(s) you may get by comparing the results with the Rating schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Really hard to say, depending on local conditions (how backed up examiners are), it can take beyond your separation date. But ideally, you should have your exams sorted out within two months of filing.

    • The million dollar question! Ideally, the VA would have your rating ready to go, the day after you separate. However, it rarely happens that way. Realistically, you should get a decision in one-three months after separation.

    • The date shown is the date after you separate from the military. This is because your Effective date cannot be any earlier.

    • No, when you joined the military you did so with a presumption of soundness - meaning you were 100% healthy (barring anything brought up at MEPS). So the fact something popped up while you were in service means you are good to go (unless it is something the VA will NOT service connect).

    • Call the VA (1-800-827-1000) and let them know whats is going on, as a courtesy.

    • Yes! Submit a Personal statement explaining the situation. Failure to do so may result in a debt being created - if the VA starts paying you!

    • Looks like you ran into a technical issue (welcome to the VA!). If the VA is unable to sort this issue out and your BDD window is closing fast you should submit your claim via a VSO or via fax: 844-531-7818.

References