VA Disability Preparation Checklist: What to Do Before You Separate

Preparing for a VA disability claim starts long before you file anything. The biggest mistakes most service members make happen months earlier, usually without realizing it. Missing documentation, poor timing, or assuming something is already in your medical record can cost you ratings, time, or both.

This checklist focuses on what you should do before separation to make the VA disability process as smooth as possible.

This guide is especially useful if you are 6 to 18 months from separation and want to avoid last minute scrambling.

If you want the full separation process organized into one timeline, including VA tasks alongside everything else, start with the Complete Military Separation Checklist or the transition timeline guide.

12 to 18 Months Before Separation: Start Paying Attention

You do not need to file anything yet, but this is the phase where awareness matters.

• Learn the basics of how VA disability claims work
• Understand the difference between documentation and diagnosis
• Start a personal list of conditions, injuries, or symptoms you have experienced
• Review your medical record for gaps or missing visits

If something happened during service and never made it into your record, this is your first warning sign.

9 to 12 Months Out: Document Everything That Matters

This is one of the most important phases.

• Schedule appointments for ongoing pain, injuries, or recurring issues
• Make sure symptoms are documented clearly, not vaguely
• Follow up if providers minimize or dismiss issues
• Request referrals if appropriate

If it is not in your medical record, the VA generally cannot rate it. This is not about exaggerating. It is about accuracy.

6 to 9 Months Out: Organize Your Evidence

At this stage you should be thinking about how your record tells your story.

• Request a complete copy of your medical records
• Review them for missing encounters or errors
• Write down timelines for injuries or conditions if details are scattered
• Identify conditions that may qualify for presumptive service connection

This is also a good time to research the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program if you plan to file before separation.

3 to 6 Months Out: Prepare to File

Now you are approaching execution.

• Decide whether you will file a BDD claim or wait until after separation
• Ensure all medical appointments are complete
• Gather supporting documents and notes
• Understand what a Compensation and Pension exam involves

Being prepared here reduces surprises later.

Common VA Disability Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming providers documented what you discussed
• Waiting until the last month to address medical issues
• Filing without reviewing your medical record
• Downplaying symptoms during exams
• Relying on memory instead of documentation

Most of these mistakes are preventable with time and organization.

Final Thoughts

VA disability preparation is not something to rush. Starting early gives you control and options. Waiting too long usually creates stress and limits outcomes.

This checklist focuses on preparation before separation. Filing steps, rating outcomes, and appeals deserve their own deeper guides.

A clear checklist, a realistic timeline, and accurate documentation go a long way toward a smoother claim process.

About the author: Bruce Goren is an Air Force member retiring in February 2026. He built OutProcessed after experiencing how fragmented and confusing the separation process can be.