Veterans' Disability Benefits. Opportunities Remain for Improving Accountability for and Access to Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program

Through its disability compensation program, VA pays monthly benefits to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Under VAs BDD program, any member of the armed forces who has seen active duty-including those in the National Guard or Reservesmay apply for VA disability benefits prior to discharge. The program allows veterans to file for and potentially receive benefits earlier and faster than under the traditional claim process because medical records are more readily accessible and key forms needed to process the claim can be signed immediately. Establishing that the claim is related to the members military service may also be easier under the BDD program because the member is still on active duty status. In 2008, VA and DOD offered the program at 142 bases, providing access to over 70 percent of service members who were discharged in fiscal year 2007. In July 2008, VA issued policy guidance allowing service members being discharged from any military base to initiate BDD claims at other locations where VA personnel were located, such as at all of its 57 regional offices. VA also established an alternative predischarge program, now called Quick Start, to provide members who cannot participate in the BDD program an opportunity to initiate claims before discharge. Last year, over 51,000 claims were filed through the BDD and Quick Start programs. To participate in the BDD program, service members generally must meet six requirements 1 be in the process of being honorably discharged from military service, 2 initiate their application for VA disability benefits between 60 and 180 days prior to their discharge date, 3 sign a Veterans Claims Assistance Act VCAA form, 4 obtain and provide copies of their service medical records to local VA personnel, complete a VA medical exam, and 6 remain near the base until the exam process is done.