Leaving the military comes with many life-long benefits for you and your family, including access to VA centers and the GI Bill. However, there are also some fantastic resources that service members need to take advantage of before they separate or retire from the military. As you prepare for your separation date, here are some time-sensitive benefits provided by the VA that you may want to take advantage of beforehand:
Pre-Charge Disability Claim
If you have an illness or injury that you believe was caused—or made worse—by your service, you can file a disability claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program. This claim allows eligible service members to speed up their claim decision process, potentially allowing them to receive their disability benefits sooner. These claims must be filed 90-180 days before your separation date. They are open to all active-duty service members, including National Guard and Reservists.
Claim files also require your service treatment records for your current service period and a Separation Health Assessment form. The BDD program cannot be used for those who need special handling for your claim. This means that the following individuals cannot apply to the BDD program:
Those who need case management for a serious injury or illnessThose waiting to be discharged while being treated at a VA hospital or military treatment facilityThose awaiting their Character of DischargeThose who can’t go to a VA exam during the 45 days after the claim is submittedThose who need a VA exam done in a foreign country and can’t request the exam through overseas BDD officesThose who did not submit the proper paperwork for their BDD applicationThose who are terminally ill
Veteran Readiness and Employment
Another resource for those with a service-connected disability is the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. Also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E, this program can help service-disabled veterans return to their former jobs, find a new career that matches their current skills and abilities, obtain the proper education for a future career and aid those wanting to start their own businesses. There are different tracks available to veterans depending on their goals post-service.
In some instances, the VR&E can also provide counseling services, education benefits and training to spouses and dependent family members. Service members and their family members will still need to apply, which can be done at your local VA regional office or online.
Educational and Career Counseling
Service members preparing to separate from the military are eligible to partake in the Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG) program, also known as VA Chapter 36. This benefit offers free educational and career counseling, training and resources to veterans and their dependents who are eligible for a VA education benefit. This program can help its participants discover the kind of educational field they want to enter and which jobs they may wish to pursue. It can also advise them on addressing potential barriers to success.
To qualify for these benefits, service members must identify with one of the following:
Be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable within six monthsBe separated under conditions other than dishonorable in the last yearQualify as a veteran or service member for educational assistance under the VA educational programQualify as a service member, veteran or dependent currently eligible for VA educational benefits
Health Care Coverages
If you’re serving on active duty, including as a returning service member of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation New Dawn (OND) in Iraq, you are eligible to apply for VA health care for your post-service medical needs. This enhanced eligibility allows you to continue utilizing free and low-cost health care services after separating or retiring from the military.
Those who qualify for enhanced eligibility will be enrolled immediately with priority group 6 (or higher, depending on circumstance) and receive free care and medications for any condition related to combat service. As OEF, OIF and OND service members currently have enhanced eligibility, they are encouraged to apply immediately to gain access to the best health care possible.
Applications can be submitted online, by mail or at your nearest VA medical clinic.
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