FWD Assist HQ
Companion Toolkit

The BDD Playbook

How to File Your VA Claim Before You Leave the Military

Your Toolkit Includes

Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide — download what you need, fill it in, and build your claim package at your own pace.

The BDD Playbook

FWD Assist Publishing

Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.

Get the one-page BDD master checklist.

Free printable PDF that distills this toolkit into one page you can take to your next appointment.

No sales calls. Unsubscribe any time.

About This Topic

A step-by-step guide to the VA's Benefits Delivery at Discharge program, which allows servicemembers to file disability claims 180 to 90 days before separation. Covers BDD eligibility, how to file while still on active duty, what evidence to gather before access to military records becomes harder, and how to avoid the mistakes that delay BDD claims.

What the Book Covers

Key topics and takeaways from The BDD Playbook:

What the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program is and who qualifies
When and how to file while still on active duty
What evidence to gather before military records become harder to access
Common BDD mistakes and how to avoid them

Who This Is For

  • Active duty servicemembers within 180 days of separation
  • Veterans who wish they had filed before they left service
  • Transition assistance staff and military counselors
  • Anyone helping a servicemember plan for separation

Download the Entire Toolkit

All 24 files in one zip · 0.3 MB

Download All (.zip)

Companion Toolkit

24 files for The BDD Playbook — Organized by when you need them in the claims process.

Assessment & Preparation

6 files

Back Pay Calculator

Calculate potential retroactive pay based on rating and effective date

7 KB

BDD Conditions Inventory

Inventory every diagnosed condition and its service-connection potential

11 KB

BDD Eligibility Checklist

Step-by-step checklist for filing a BDD claim before separation

11 KB

BDD Master Checklist

Step-by-step checklist for filing a BDD claim before separation

10 KB

BDD Window Calculator

Calculate your BDD filing window based on separation date

8 KB

VA Forms Quick Reference

Quick-reference guide to the VA forms used at each stage of a claim

11 KB

Evidence Building

9 files

C&P Exam Battle Plan BDD

Prepare for your C&P exam with a day-of checklist and strategy guide

10 KB

C-File Request Guide Tracker

Request and track your VA C-File to verify what evidence VA already has

10 KB

IDES Process Guide

Navigate the Integrated Disability Evaluation System for medical separations

11 KB

Medical Appointment Log

Track every medical appointment, provider, and what was discussed

11 KB

Nexus Letter Builder

Draft a nexus letter using the three-element framework VA raters look for

39 KB

Post Decision Action Planner

Plan next steps after receiving a VA rating decision

12 KB

SHA Part A Completion Guide

Complete the Separation Health Assessment Part A for BDD claims

12 KB

STR Request Kit

Request your Service Treatment Records for claims evidence

12 KB

Symptom Function Log

Log daily symptoms and functional limitations with dates and severity

13 KB

Statements & Letters

2 files

Buddy Statement Template BDD

BDD-specific buddy statement template addressing pre-separation conditions

11 KB

Personal Statement Template BDD

BDD-specific personal statement template addressing pre-separation conditions

12 KB

Filing & Submission

2 files

BDD Filing and Monitoring Tracker

Track every BDD claim from filing through decision with status and dates

11 KB

Filing Packet Checklist

Checklist for assembling a complete filing packet before submission

11 KB

Tracking & Monitoring

3 files

Claims Master Tracker

Track every claim, rating, effective date, and status in one master spreadsheet

11 KB

Deadline Date Tracker

Log every VA deadline and window so nothing expires unnoticed

9 KB

Decision Letter Decoder

Break down a VA decision letter line by line to find errors and next steps

12 KB

Appeals & Reviews

2 files

Appeal Lane Decision Tree BDD

Choose the right appeal lane for a BDD claim denial or low rating

11 KB

Appeals Strategy Guide

Map your appeal options under the AMA and choose the right lane

11 KB

How to Use This Toolkit

Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, templates, and letter builders — open them, fill in your information, and use them with your claim. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and calculators — they include real formulas that do the math for you. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.

Back to Book Details

Related Topics

Win Your VA Disability Claim

The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Filing, Evidence, and Getting the VA Rating You've Earned

After the DD-214

How to Navigate VA Benefits, Employment, and Finances When the Military Stops Paying You

The VA C&P Exam Playbook

The Complete Guide to Preparing for Your VA C&P Exam and Getting the Rating You Deserve

Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.