The Department of Veterans Affairs has established a new program at Naval Air Station Lemoore for all separating military personnel that will assist them in receiving VA disability benefits much faster. This program is called the "Benefits Before Discharge Date" (BDD) program.

The basic benefit of the program is to allow the newly separating veteran to file a VA disability claim while still on active duty and without the completed DD-214 (Record of Separation) paperwork. This program allows the veteran to file a claim not more than 180 days and not less than 60 days from their date of discharge. The VA in turn will process the claim and will be prepared to provide a decision on the claim within 30 to 45 days after separation and receipt of the DD-214. Currently in California, claims for disability once filed, will normally take anywhere from 11 to 14 months to process and to adjudicate a decision. This new program allows a much faster response time.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office (KCVSO) can file your claim for you. In order to participate, you must be remaining in California after separation. Once you reach 180 days (but not less than 60 days) before your actual date of discharge, you should contact the KCVSO and make a two-hour appointment with the receptionist for a BDD screening and claim submission appointment.

You will need to bring the original Service Medical Record or a copy, and dependents supporting documentation (i.e. marriage certificates, divorce decrees, children's birth certificates and all family social security numbers) to the appointment. The Service Medical Record will be screened and all necessary VA claim forms will then be completed and filed by the KCVSO. If you would like to participate in this new program, or if you have additional questions, contact the Kings County Veterans Service Office today.

Joe Wright, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to 1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Hanford, CA 93230, call 582-3211 ext. 2662 or e-mail joe.wright@co.kings.ca.us.

(July 18, 2008)