Pre-Discharge Programs

It is to your advantage to submit your disability compensation claim prior to separation, retirement, or release from active duty or demobilization. Processing times tend to be much shorter for claims submitted pre-discharge than after discharge. Pre-discharge programs provide Servicemembers with the opportunity to file claims for disability compensation up to 180 days prior to separation or retirement from active duty or full-time National Guard or Reserve duty (Titles 10 and 32).

You can apply for disability compensation through one of the following:

• Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
• Quick Start
• Overseas Intake Sites

Integrated Disability Evaluation System

The Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) is used to determine a Servicemember's fitness for duty. The Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) worked together to make disability evaluation seamless, simple, fast and fair. If the Service member is found medically unfit for duty, the IDES gives them a proposed VA disability rating before they leave the service. These ratings are normally based on VA examinations that are conducted using required IDES examination templates.

For More Information

While in a pre-discharge program, you may also apply for other VA benefits, such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Education, and Loan Guaranty. The following resources are available when initially applying for benefits:

• Visit VA Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF) for additional information, including resources for family and outreach activities for returning service members.
• VA Benefits in Brief is a printable document that provides an at-a-glance description of VA benefits, as well as contact phone numbers and locations.
• Visit TurboTAP and MilitaryOneSource for 24/7 access to helpful guides on pre-separation and transition, information on employment, education, relocation, benefits, and more.