Imagine This…

You’re just months away from leaving the military. Instead of waiting a year—or more—for the VA to decide your disability claim, you file before discharge, and your benefits start hitting your bank account as soon as you separate.

That’s exactly what the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program is designed to do.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we help service members use the BDD program to cut through the delays, preserve back pay, and start their civilian life on solid financial ground. This guide explains everything you need to know about the BDD program, from eligibility to filing tips, common mistakes, and why having the right team matters.

What Is the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program?

The BDD program allows service members who are within 180–90 days of separation or retirement to file their disability claims early.

The goal: deliver VA benefits immediately after discharge so veterans don’t go months (or years) without compensation.

Who Is Eligible for BDD?

To qualify, you must:

  • Be on active duty (including Guard/Reserve on active orders).

  • Have 90–180 days left before your separation or retirement date.

  • Be able to attend all required medical exams before leaving service.

  • Have a copy of your service treatment records (STRs).

You are not eligible if:

  • You have fewer than 90 days left before discharge.

  • You are awaiting a medical board decision.

  • You cannot attend a VA exam before separation.

  • You are in a foreign duty station (unless exceptions apply).

How to File Under the BDD Program

  1. File Early: Submit your claim 90–180 days before separation.

  2. Gather Records: Provide service treatment records, medical records, and any supporting nexus opinions.

  3. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ: This is the standard disability compensation form.

  4. Attend VA Exams (C&P): Exams must be completed before discharge.

  5. Separation Date: Once you’re out, the VA processes your claim. If approved, benefits start immediately.

Benefits of the BDD Program

  • Faster Payments: In some cases, benefits begin the month after separation.

  • No Gap in Compensation: You avoid the “limbo period” between leaving the service and waiting on a claim decision.

  • Preserves Back Pay: Your effective date is the day after discharge—not months later when you finally submit.

  • Smoother Transition: Financial stability helps you focus on adjusting to civilian life.

Common Pitfalls

  • Waiting too long: Filing with fewer than 90 days left disqualifies you from BDD.

  • Incomplete records: Missing service treatment records can derail the process.

  • Not listing all conditions: If you only file for your “biggest issue” and forget secondary conditions, you’ll leave thousands on the table.

Example of How BDD Works

Example 1:

  • Marine submits BDD claim 120 days before separation for PTSD, tinnitus, and knee injury.

  • C&P exams completed while still on active duty.

  • Month after discharge: $1,500 in monthly tax-free benefits start immediately.

Example 2:

  • Soldier waits until after separation to file for back pain.

  • Claim takes 12 months to process.

  • They miss out on a year of $524/month = $6,288 in lost back pay.

FAQs About BDD

Q: Can I still appeal if my BDD claim is denied?
Yes. You have the same appeal rights (HLR, Supplemental, NOD).

Q: Can I add conditions later?
Yes, but they may not fall under BDD timelines. Always list every condition upfront.

Q: Does BDD guarantee faster approval?
Not guaranteed, but designed to be faster because evidence is ready before separation.

Q: Can Guard/Reserve members use BDD?
Yes, if they are on active duty orders and meet eligibility timelines.

Why NSLF

At NSLF, our mission is simple: maximize your benefits in the shortest time possible.

  • Veteran-Founded: Brett O’Brien, disabled Army veteran, created NSLF after being denied by the VA while battling a rare blood cancer caused by contaminated base drinking water. He knows this fight firsthand.

  • We’ve Been There: Nearly all of our attorneys and paralegals are disabled veterans with their own VA claims.

  • Trusted Nationwide: We hold a 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews (see them here).

How Much Does It Cost?

We make it simple: you only pay if we win.

  • Appeals (HLR, Supplemental, NOD): Contingency-based—no upfront fees.

  • CAVC or advanced appeals: Percentage of past-due benefits awarded.

See the details on our VA Disability Pricing page.

Should You Hire a Lawyer for BDD?

Filing BDD might sound simple, but here’s the reality:

  • Miss one condition → you lose that back pay forever.

  • Skip secondary conditions → you leave hundreds of thousands of tax-free dollars unclaimed.

  • Provide weak evidence → VA underrates or denies you.

Example:

  • Sailor files BDD for hearing loss only, rated at 0% = $0/month.

  • With legal help, they also claim tinnitus, depression secondary to hearing issues, and back pain.

  • Result: 60% rating = $1,361/month.

That’s over $16,000 a year, tax-free—for life.

Check out our guide: Do You Need a Lawyer for Your VA Disability Claim?

Additional Resources

For more strategies to maximize benefits, speed up claims, and protect your back pay, visit our VA Disability Education & Legal Strategy Center—a complete hub of resources designed for veterans. Whether you go it alone, work with a VSO, or hire us, this center has everything you need.

Final Thoughts – Don’t Wait

The Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program is one of the VA’s best-kept secrets for getting paid faster. But timing is critical—miss the window, and you lose the chance for immediate benefits.

At National Security Law Firm, we’ve walked this path ourselves. We know how to make the process easier, clearer, and—most importantly—successful.

If you’re within 180 days of separation, don’t wait. Reach out today. We help service members and veterans nationwide, and we’ll fight for your benefits like we’ve fought for our own.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.