Quick Start Program
Quick Start allows a Servicemember to submit a claim for disability compensation 1 to 59 days prior to separation, retirement, or release from active duty or demobilization. Submitting your disability compensation claim before discharge makes it possible to receive VA disability benefits as soon as possible after separation, retirement, or demobilization.
Servicemembers with 1-59 days remaining on active duty or full time Reserve or National Guard (Title 10 or Title 32) service, or Servicemembers who do not meet the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) criteria requiring availability for all examinations prior to discharge, may apply through Quick Start. The program is available nationwide and open to all Servicemembers on full time active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves.
Requirements To Participate | Quick Start Program |
---|---|
Do I have a known separation date? | Yes |
How far away is my known separation date? | 1 – 59 days |
When must I submit my service treatment records to VA? | At the time claim is submitted |
When and where must I complete all phases of my VA/DoD medical separation examination process? | At your point of separation, prior to release from the military |
When may I apply? | If you meet all of the requirements above, you may apply for Quick Start 1-59 days prior to separation. *Quick Start allows National Guard or Reserve members attending demobilization briefings to file a claim and leave the area where the VA disability claim was submitted. Those unable to complete the application before separation can submit a claim through the traditional claims process after separation. |
To file a pre-discharge claim under BDD, do one of the following:
If you are on a military installation, contact your local Transition Assistance Office or ACAP Center (Army only) to schedule appointments to attend VA benefits briefings and learn how to initiate your claim. You can also call the VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.