BDD Guide | FinalOut

File your VA disability claim before you separate and potentially receive your rating and payment on day one of civilian life.

What is BDD?

BDD (Benefits Delivery at Discharge) is a VA program that lets active duty service members file a disability claim 180 to 90 days before separation or retirement. The goal is to have your rating decided — and your first payment deposited — as close to your Final Active Duty Date (FADD) as possible.

Without BDD, you file a standard claim after separation, which adds months before your first payment. BDD eliminates that gap for most members.

Who is eligible?

Active duty service members (all branches)
Reservists and National Guard members on active duty orders of at least 180 days
Separating between 90 and 180 days from your FADD at time of filing
You must be available for VA exams before your FADD

If you are fewer than 90 days from separation, BDD is closed. File a standard claim immediately after your FADD instead.

The BDD timeline

T-365 (1 year out)

Start requesting service treatment records (STRs) and any records from outside facilities. Gaps in documentation hurt claims.

T-300

Schedule appointments for conditions you plan to claim but haven't fully documented. Don't create new records — document existing conditions.

T-210

Finish all medical appointments. VA needs your records at time of filing, so anything after this window may not make it in.

T-180 (BDD opens)

File your claim at VA.gov. This is the ideal filing date. Earlier is better.

T-90 (BDD closes)

Last day to file BDD. After this date you must file a standard post-separation claim.

FADD

Your Final Active Duty Date. VA exams should be complete by now.

Use our BDD Date Calculator to get your exact dates from your FADD.

What conditions to claim

Claim every condition that is connected to your service — even if it seems minor. Ratings are cumulative and a 10% rating today can be increased later. Common overlooked conditions include:

Hearing loss and tinnitus (the most common VA claims)
Knee, back, and shoulder injuries from training or operational wear
Sleep apnea (especially if diagnosed in service)
Mental health conditions (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Scar tissue from surgeries performed in service
Conditions treated but not formally diagnosed in service

How to file

Go to VA.gov — Form 21-526EZ
Select "Benefits Delivery at Discharge" when prompted
List all conditions you are claiming
Upload any private medical records (STRs are retrieved by VA directly)
Complete your C&P exams before your FADD

Consider working with a free VSO (DAV, VFW, American Legion) to review your claim before submission. VSOs are accredited, free, and have no financial stake in your rating.

Common mistakes

Filing too late — waiting until T-90 or later loses the BDD window
Under-claiming — leaving out conditions you think are "too minor"
Missing C&P exams — skipping a VA exam can result in denial for that condition
Relying on memory — get every condition in writing before you file
Not using a VSO — free expert review catches claim gaps before submission

Disclaimer: This guide is for planning purposes only. FinalOut is not affiliated with VA or DoD and cannot guarantee any rating outcome. Always verify eligibility and filing procedures at VA.gov.