If you’re within 180 to 90 days of leaving active duty, you may be eligible to file your claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program—and that can change everything about your transition.
Here’s the thing: even though it’s called a “180-day window,” your prep needs to start even earlier.
I usually recommend service members start gathering records and seeking help at least 210 days out, especially if you’ve had off-base care or complex conditions. Some records—like mental health notes or outside provider documentation—can take weeks to obtain.
And here’s where a lot of people trip up: trying to go it alone.
Yes, you can file your own BDD claim—but unless you’ve studied the rules and know the process inside and out, I strongly recommend you connect with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). They’re trained, accredited, and their job is to make sure you file correctly.
Don’t forget: every state and many counties have local VSOs, too—not just national organizations. Your County Veteran Services Office might be the hidden gem you didn’t know you had.
Here’s what I’d do:
- 210+ days out: Request full copies of your Service Treatment Records (STRs), especially behavioral health and off-base referrals.
- 180 days out: Book an appointment with a VSO to review your medical history and start organizing your claim.
- 120–90 days out: Double-check requirements (location, discharge type, orders, etc.) and submit your claim via the BDD process with your VSO’s help.
When done correctly, this system is designed to finish your rating before you separate—so you don’t spend your first year out in limbo, waiting on a decision.
I cover this in more detail in Issue #2: The BDD Process. That issue breaks down how to organize your claim, what not to forget, and why starting early gives you every possible advantage.
If you’re getting out soon, don’t wait for someone to walk you through this.
Start now. Get help.
And give yourself a head start that most people never get.
