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VA Regional Office Seattle
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Participant Requirements in the Pre-Discharge Disability Claims Program

We recommend that you file your claim through BDD around 180-60 days before your discharge, however you are eligible to apply up to your last day of service. In order to participate in the Pre-Discharge Disability Claims Program, personnel must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete an application for disability compensation benefits using VA Form 21-526, available on the VA website or in hardcopy form at the BDD Office.

  • Have not previously filed a claim for VA disability benefits.

  • Have one or more service-connected disabilities.*

  • Attend a required VA medical examination - it is recommended that you are in the local area for 45 days after you submit your claim to make scheduling this examination easier.

* A service-connected disability is any injury, illness, or disease, incurred in or aggravated by military service. Acute or transitory conditions that resolved without residual disability are not considered disabilities under the law.