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.

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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 · 279 KB

Download All (.zip)

Companion Toolkit

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

Ch 1: The Window That Changes Everything

1 file

BDD Window Calculator

Calculate your BDD filing window based on separation date

8 KB

Ch 2: Do You Qualify? BDD Eligibility Map

1 file

BDD Eligibility Checklist

Verify your BDD eligibility window and pre-filing requirements

10 KB

Ch 3: The Separation Health Assessment

1 file

SHA Part A Completion Guide

Complete the Separation Health Assessment Part A for BDD claims

11 KB

Ch 4: Build Your Claim List / Conditions Inventory

1 file

BDD Conditions Inventory

Inventory every diagnosed condition and its service-connection potential

11 KB

Ch 5: Service Treatment Records

2 files

C-File Request Guide Tracker

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

10 KB

STR Request Kit

Request your Service Treatment Records for claims evidence

12 KB

Ch 5: Service Treatment Records / Evidence

5 files

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

Symptom Function Log

Log daily symptoms and functional limitations with dates and severity

13 KB

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

Ch 6: Filing Your BDD Claim Step by Step

1 file

Filing Packet Checklist

Checklist for assembling a complete filing packet before submission

10 KB

Ch 7: The Pre-Separation C&P Exam

1 file

C&P Exam Battle Plan BDD

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

9 KB

Ch 8: IDES - When the Military Refers You First

1 file

IDES Process Guide

Navigate the Integrated Disability Evaluation System for medical separations

11 KB

Ch 9: Monitoring and Protecting Your Claim

1 file

BDD Filing and Monitoring Tracker

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

11 KB

Ch 10: Your Decision After Discharge

3 files

Back Pay Calculator

Calculate potential retroactive pay based on rating and effective date

7 KB

Post Decision Action Planner

Plan next steps after receiving a VA rating decision

12 KB

Decision Letter Decoder

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

12 KB

Ch 11: When It Goes Sideways

2 files

Appeal Lane Decision Tree BDD

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

10 KB

Appeals Strategy Guide

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

9 KB

General / whole book

4 files

BDD Master Checklist

Master checklist covering every step of the BDD claim process from start to finish

9 KB

VA Forms Quick Reference

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

11 KB

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

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

A VA Disability Claims Manual for the Rest of Us

How to File, Appeal, and Win Your VA Benefits

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.