Service members who are within 180 to 90 days of their separation or retirement date can file what is called a Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claim. This program allows the VA to begin processing your disability claim while you are still on active duty, so that a rating decision can potentially be ready shortly after you separate. If you are outside that window (more than 180 days from separation), you can still file what is called a pre-discharge claim, but it will not go through the same expedited BDD track. Once you are inside the 90 to 0 day window before separation, you would file a fully developed or standard claim instead, since BDD requires at least 90 days of separation remaining at the time of filing.
The basic mechanics are the same for any claim: you file VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits), listing every condition you want rated, whether physical or mental health related. For each condition, you want current diagnoses, evidence linking the condition to service (an in-service event, injury, or aggravation), and evidence of current severity. Medical records from military treatment facilities, including inpatient mental health records, specialist visits for migraines, neck, and back issues, and any line-of-duty or incident reports, all count as supporting evidence.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →Before filing, it is worth doing a separation health assessment (SHA) or the older Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) process through military treatment facilities, since these can generate current medical documentation the VA will use. Many bases also have Transition Assistance Program (TAP) staff, VSOs (Veterans Service Organizations such as DAV, VFW, or American Legion), or a Military Service Coordinator who specifically helps service members compile BDD claims. A VSO or accredited claims agent can review your record, help identify conditions you may not have thought to claim (including secondary conditions, like sleep issues or headaches connected to a primary mental health diagnosis), and submit the claim on your behalf at no cost.
Mental health conditions stemming from a specific stressor, including a family medical crisis experienced during service, can be claimed under 38 CFR 3.304 for PTSD or other diagnosed mental health conditions, provided there is documentation of the event and a current diagnosis linking to it.
The concrete next step is to contact a local VSO office, such as DAV or VFW at a nearby VA regional office or base transition center, to begin compiling records and file a BDD claim once within the 180-to-90-day window before separation.
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