Veterans leaving the service within 180 days or less are encouraged to apply for their benefits immediately. Michael Ferrill, General Manager at USA Secure Data Systems, Published an article on the LinkedIn Group  U. S. Army Veterans.

The Pre-Discharge Program is a joint Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) program that affords service members 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).

The four components of the Pre-Discharge Program are:
•Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
•Quick Start
•Disability Evaluation System (Pilot program)
•Seriously Injured/Very Seriously Injured (SI/VSI)

The VA has made it easier for you to file a Pre-discharge claim. Complete the VA Form 526c, Pre-Discharge Compensation Claim, and submit it with your service treatment records (originals or copies) to the VA location nearest you.

While in the Pre-Discharge Program, members may also apply for other VA benefits, such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Education, and Loan Guaranty, Certificate of Eligibility for VA Loans and foe VA Disability Compensation Claims.

Two overseas military installations have processes in place to accept BDD claims: Germany and South Korea.

In order to expedite processing of your claim, call the toll-free number, 1-800-827-1000, to obtain the address to send a copy or original of service treatment records.

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 your Military Installation VA Office (if one is available) or the Transition Office to access helpful guides on pre-separation and transition, information on employment, education, relocation, benefits, VA Disability Compensation and more.

Our thanks to General Manager at USA Secure Data Systems.

Go to www.TADPGS.com to view our job openings and join our LinkedIn group, Veterans Hiring Solutions for Veterans and Companies at http://linkd.in/Sg346w. If you have specific questions about issues affecting you, your benefits, your dependents etc., feel free to send them to me personally and I will try to help you. If you have questions about compensation and disability benefits or VA health care benefits, ask the First Sergeant at [email protected].