You should immediately file a claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, which allows you to submit your VA disability claim 180 to 90 days prior to separation to ensure a potential rating decision soon after discharge, thereby securing your access to continuous, low-cost care. For service connection, you must establish a current diagnosis, an in-service event or aggravation, and a medical nexus linking the two (38 CFR 3.303). Your anxiety and PTSD will be rated under 38 CFR 4.130, Diagnostic Code 9400 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) or 9411 (PTSD), based on the severity of occupational and social impairment. To avoid gaps in medication and treatment, upon filing your BDD claim, also apply for VA healthcare enrollment (Form 10-10EZ) simultaneously; if your conditions are service-connected, you will receive priority group 1-3 placement, which typically includes free medication for your SC conditions and low/no-cost care from VA or community care providers (preventing out-of-pocket costs). The principle from *DeLuca v. Brown* allows for rating a condition based on its worsened severity during flare-ups, which is critical for mental health ratings. Your actionable next steps are: 1) Gather all service treatment records for your anxiety/PTSD, 2) File your BDD claim (fully developed claim is fastest) via VA.gov before your 90-day window closes, 3) Submit your VA healthcare application, and 4) Ensure you attend all VA compensation and pension (C&P) exams scheduled to provide the necessary nexus evidence. **Disclaimer: This is educational information for claims assistance and is not legal, medical, or official VA advice.**
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