Retirement Center
Plain-language explainers on military retirement pay, VA benefits, TRICARE, and transition planning — each reviewed against official sources. Benefits information is educational only and does not replace official guidance from your service, DFAS, VA, or TRICARE. Checklists are planning aids and do not replace official service requirements. This platform does not provide tax, investment, legal, medical, or individualized claims advice, and does not predict disability ratings or VA outcomes.
Looking for the source sites themselves? Browse the free Official Resources directory (DoD-wide and by service).
Filing a Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Claim
BDD lets separating service members file a VA disability claim 90 to 180 days before separation so a decision can potentially be reached closer to their separation date.
Preparing for BDD — Without Claims Advice
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) is a VA program window for certain pre-discharge disability claims, generally filed when 180 to 90 days remain before separation; this overview explains preparation steps only.
VA Disability Compensation: How It Works
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly benefit for veterans with service-connected conditions, with payment amounts based on a combined disability rating and dependent status.