File disability claims before leaving service

#Middlebury

If you’re scheduled to leave active duty soon and know your separation date, start keeping a calendar of important dates, especially if you’re going to have a disability claim. Veterans who have between 90 and 180 days left in active-duty service can file for the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. The Department of Veterans Affairs has made big improvements to the system, and many who make disability claims in the BDD program can receive a decision within 30 days of getting out.

In the first year, 53 percent of veterans had a claims decision within 30 days. As they’ve smoothed out the details, that percentage has gone up. Claims can now be reviewed at any regional office, and they’ve improved the software for records transfers and added claims training for those who will do the work.

Still, it’s important to get any claims filed in the 90-180 day window before you leave. That will ensure your disability medical exams go into your service treatment record, and if the condition worsens later, you’ll have a starting date right there in your medical file.

There are limits, however, to using the BDD program. You can’t use it if you’re terminally ill, are in a VA medical facility, will need case management or if you can’t get to a VA exam within the 45 days after you file. For the whole list of restrictions, go to www.va.gov/disability and put BDD in the search box. You’ll also find details about the pre-discharge claim.

If you have fewer than the 90 days until separation, you can still put in a disability claim through the Decision Ready Claim or a fully developed claim. If you’re injured, sick or wounded and can’t do your job, they will refer you to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System.

(c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.