Loading the next page…
Veterans Crisis Line:988, press 1
Transition assistance
See the milestones that may matter for your transition out of service, anchored to your separation date. Below is a sample preview using a generic separation date so you can see the shape of the output before entering your own.
Example timeline anchored to a separation date of July 27, 2026. Enter your own date below to generate a personalized timeline.
Complete TAP Core Curriculum
180 days before
Attend the mandatory TAP workshop, which covers VA benefits briefing, Department of Labor employment workshop, and financial planning. All separating service members must complete TAP.
BDD Claim Filing Window Opens
180 days before
The Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program allows you to file a VA disability claim 180 to 90 days before separation. Filing within this window can speed up your first payment after discharge.
Apply for VA Healthcare
120 days before
You can apply for VA healthcare up to a year before separation. Combat veterans are eligible for 5 years of enhanced enrollment after separation, regardless of disability rating.
BDD Claim Filing Deadline
90 days before
Last day to file a BDD claim. After this point, you can still file a claim but it will be processed as a standard claim after separation, which may delay your initial rating and payment.
Separation Date
Separation day
The day on the DD-214 that VA and DoD use to anchor benefits, healthcare windows, and effective dates.
File Disability Compensation Claim
7 days after
If a BDD claim was not filed, file a standard disability compensation claim shortly after separation to start the clock.
Date-Driven Plan
Based on TAP milestone requirements derive from 10 U.S.C. § 1144 and DoDI 1332.35 implementing guidance. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 10 U.S.C. § 1144 (TAP statute), DoDI 1332.35 (TAP instruction), DoD Transition Assistance Program
Enter your expected separation date to see a personalized timeline of milestones and deadlines for your transition from military service10 U.S.C. § 1144†.